Steven Stamkos returned to Tampa Bay on Monday night time for the primary time since he was traded in the summertime, with the Lightning paying a tribute to their former star on his homecoming.
Emotional Return For Stamkos
For his first 16 seasons within the NHL Steven Stamkos performed for the Tampa Bay Lightning, however after a protracted profession in Florida, he was lastly traded in the summertime to the Predators.
On his first return to Tampa Bay this week, the Lightning paid a tribute to their former participant in an emotional welcome again to the group the place Stamkos made his profession.
A hero’s welcome for Steven Stamkos in his return to Tampa 💙 pic.twitter.com/jB7A4TxTEN
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 29, 2024
After the sport, Stamkos was requested what he considered the tribute and he replied: “It was nice. It was first-class. I wouldn’t anticipate something much less.
“It was fairly emotional. I didn’t know the way I used to be going to react. I may really feel some tears coming, so I made a decision to get again to the bench.”
The previous Lightning captain hasn’t utterly shut the door on his former group and it’s clear that he nonetheless holds lots of love for the facet that he spent so lengthy at.
“I don’t suppose it’s goodbye,” Stamkos mentioned. “It’s extra of a thanks, goodbye sort of factor.”
Stamkos signed a four-year, $32million cope with the Lightning earlier than this season, however the future Corridor of Famer’s phrases submit match might recommend that he may return to his outdated facet later in his profession.
Though Nashville misplaced on Stamkos’ return, the 34-year-old was ready so as to add two assists to his season tally within the 3-2 defeat to Tampa Bay. The Candian was applauded for his help after the primary aim, however house followers had been much less completely satisfied when he arrange a equaliser later within the sport.
However the Lightning nonetheless got here out on high, with a win transferring the facet to 6-3 to kick off the hockey season.
