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Steven Stamkos Sends First Message After Leaving Lightning

Posted on by angelo

June 28, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos warms up before Game 1 of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final against the Montreal Canadiens at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Steven Stamkos sent his first message to fans on Monday after agreeing to sign with a new team.

Stamkos was the first overall pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2008. The 34-year-old center has spent his entire career with the Lightning and led them to two Stanley Cup victories, but he’s moving on.

Stamkos has agreed to a four-year, $32 million contract with the Nashville Predators. He hasn’t sent a full farewell message to Tampa yet, but he did send one Monday.

“Thank you Tampa
“I don’t have the words yet… I will have them soon.

“It’s too early to tell. I just wanted to let everyone know how grateful we are for our 16 years as Bolt.


“My family and I are looking forward to the next chapter…” Stamkos wrote in his note.



Predators general manager Barry Trotz announced the news of Stamkos’ signing and called the center a “proven winner.”

“We are extremely pleased to sign a Hall of Fame player and inductee at a major milestone for the future of our organization. A two-time Stanley Cup winner as captain, Steven is a proven winner and leader who will make us a better team on the ice with his production and in the locker room as someone our young players can look up to.”

Stamkos spent 16 seasons with the Lightning. He leads the franchise in games played, goals and points. And now he’s moving to the Western Conference.