Ex-Lightning Stamkos again in Tampa as Predator

TAMPA, Fla — Each time Steven Stamkos has stepped on the ice in Tampa, it has been as a member of the Lightning. That was true when he was an 18-year-old rookie in 2008 by means of back-to-back Stanley Cup championships by means of final season, when he scored 40 targets because the workforce’s 34-year-old captain.

On Monday evening, Stamkos will step on that ice once more as a member of the Nashville Predators. After a contentious and public contract negotiation with the Lightning failed to supply a brand new deal, Stamkos signed a four-year free-agent contract with Nashville final summer time, organising what ought to be an emotionally charged evening for the groups, Lightning followers and a star ahead who’s nonetheless processing this bitter cut up.

“I imply, it takes time,” Stamkos mentioned at Amalie Enviornment on Monday morning. “Definitely it has been an adjustment interval, not just for me however for my household, to your buddies, all the things. That is all I had recognized my entire life as an expert athlete, so it is actually troublesome by way of that.”

Stamkos performed 1,082 video games for the Tampa Bay Lightning, who drafted him first general in 2008. He scored 555 targets with the workforce, serving to to develop a nontraditional NHL market into one of the crucial profitable ones within the league by way of on-ice success and fan engagement. Within the course of, he grew to become the third-highest energetic purpose scorer within the league behind Alex Ovechkin (855) and Sidney Crosby (593).

“Let’s be trustworthy: Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning are going to be synonymous with one another till the tip of time. He got here right here as an 18-year-old, with the load of his all the things on his shoulders, and ultimately he delivered. He did all the things we requested of him for a lot of, a few years,” mentioned Lightning coach Jon Cooper, who joined the workforce in 2013.

“Breakups are arduous. It is the cleaning soap opera of sports activities,” Cooper mentioned. “It is why we watch it — for moments like this, to see how the drama of life goes to unfold. I feel all people ought to get pleasure from immediately. I feel it will be an emotional evening, extra so in all probability for [Stamkos] than anyone else.”

Stamkos traveled to Tampa over the weekend together with his spouse, Sandra, whereas their two sons remained again in Nashville for varsity. She stayed on the house of Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman, with whom Stamkos frolicked on Sunday earlier than having dinner with a gaggle of ex-Lightning teammates on Sunday evening.

“I do know it’ll be a curler coaster of feelings for him. [Stamkos] goes to get the reception that he deserves and I am positive everybody is happy to see him,” Hedman mentioned Monday. “One factor that I’ve realized about him is his resiliency. I am positive he’s going to have a terrific recreation tonight. Hopefully not too good.”

Stamkos mentioned one of many shocking issues about leaving Tampa for Nashville was how his household has processed it, whereas he is struggled to seek out his footing with one purpose in eight video games for the Predators.

“I in all probability thought that the household transition was going to be harder than the hockey one, and it is sort of been the other. However I would reasonably have it that approach the place my spouse and youngsters are making the transition after which I can determine it out myself,” he mentioned.

Monday evening’s recreation can be an emotional evening for all concerned. That features Lightning winger Jake Guentzel, who signed a seven-year, $63-million free-agent contract after the workforce determined to half methods with Stamkos. He is taken the previous captain’s spot on the workforce’s prime line with Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov.

Cooper mentioned he hadn’t spoken with Guentzel concerning the feelings surrounding Stamkos’s return.

“I feel the one factor that I attempt to impart to him and all people else is that’s he isn’t changing Stamkos, as a result of Stamkos created his personal legacy right here and Guentzel’s acquired seven years to create his personal legacy,” mentioned Cooper. “We weren’t wanting essentially for a right-handed shooter on the ability play. We acquired a playmaking lefty winger that brings completely different attributes to the sport. So yeah, the following seven years are Jake Guentzel nights. Tonight is Steven Stamkos’ evening.”

Stamkos mentioned he is undecided how he’ll deal with the followers making this a particular evening and no matter tribute the workforce has created for him.

“I am not often a really emotional man, by way of letting individuals see the feelings. I do not know the way it’ll be till that second comes,” he mentioned. “It is the most effective emotions in your life, the worst emotions in your life. You do not know how you are going to react till you undergo it.”