‘Puzzling and strange’: Steven Stamkos speaks after saying goodbye to Lightning

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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Emotions are running high for the Tampa Bay Lightning and its fans after Steven Stamkos, who’s been the team’s captain for nearly a decade announced he was taking his talents to the Nashville Predators after becoming a free agent on Monday.

A decision that left fans confused and stunned, wondering how the Bolts could let their star player walk away, also left the 34-year-old grasping at the same question as he planned on retiring in the Lightning sweater.

Lightning’s Steven Stamkos bids farewell to Tampa, joins Predators on 4-year, $32M deal

Stamkos joined Sportsnet’s Hockey Central panel to discuss the bewildering decision, saying it was “puzzling and strange.”

“Through all of this, like what happened? You’re the captain, you’re Mr. Tampa Bay. What happened?” one of the analysts asked.

“Yeah, to be completely honest, I found myself asking the same question and the more people I talk to, everyone seems to share that same sentiment, which is puzzling and strange and at the end of the day, there was no question that I was willing to put all that stuff aside to remain a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Like I said, my family and I absolutely love playing for the city and playing for the players that are there…it just seemed like maybe not everyone thought that way, and listen, I’m a big boy, I can handle that.

“We went above doing our business. I thought I played extremely well this year regardless of contract distractions and just told them at the beginning of the year that it wasn’t going to affect my play and that’s something I was proud of. Listen, we wanted it to end and retire as a Tampa Bay Lightning, it certainly didn’t work out, but at the end of the day, in order to look yourself in the mirror, you have to just be honest with yourself, know your self-worth, know what loyalty and respect means to you and move on and that’s why it’s been so exciting for our family,” Stamkos said.

The forward’s departure comes despite the team’s general manager, Julien BrieseBois, saying his re-signing was a “top priority,” following the Bolts first round elimination in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

BrieseBois even expressed his hope for Stamkos to return next season after playing what BrieseBois described as “the best two months of hockey he’s played in his life.”

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However, the GM announced on Saturday that Stamkos planned to test free agency, which ultimately led to the star’s farewell. Additionally, the team did not present Stamkos will an increased offer despite trading Sergachev and Jeannot, which opened the door for the team to have extra salary cap space.

Just as free agency began, it didn’t take long for the 34-year-old to get scooped up by the Nashville Predators. Stamkos signed a four-year, $32 million deal with the team, the National Hockey League announced.

During the former Bolts’ phone interview, he told Sportsnet that Nashville was one of the few teams he entertained moving to.

“We kinda zeroed in on a few teams, with Nashville being very high on that list. Just the mutual interest from day one, how aggressive they were, how accommodating they were in terms of any questions or concerns and it just seemed like a natural fit. We’re so excited,” Stamkos shared.

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Following the news of Stamkos’ signing, BrieseBois held a press conference to discuss his decision, acknowledging the fan’s disappointment, but stating that it was the “best position to chase championships going forward.”

“I know that it is disappointing that I was not able to come to terms with Steven Stamkos on a contract to keep him within the organization. I know the fans are disappointed. I know Steven is disappointed, and I’m disappointed,” the general manager said. “Like everyone, I wanted Stammer to stay in Tampa and finish his career with the Lightning, but, like for every player, there were also limits we could allocate in terms of cap space to him.

“Stammer is sincere in all the statements saying that he wanted to stay in Tampa that shouldn’t be questioned, he definitely wanted to stay in Tampa, but at the same time, it was clear throughout our process that he also had financial expectations that he expected us to meet and ultimately, I felt and made the decision that if I agreed to the terms that he wanted in order to get a deal done, I would not be putting ourselves in the best position to chase championships going forward.

“I wish [Stamkos] nothing but success in Nashville. I wish him and his family nothing but happiness. I thank him for his years of service. Everything I said at our year-end press conference, I meant it. The mark that he is leaving on this organization and this community is indelible. First ballot Hall-of-Famer, iconic shot, number of iconic goals. I wish him nothing but happiness and he will be missed,” he said.

Stamkos has been a huge force for the Lightning since he was selected No. 1 overall in the 2008 NHL Draft. Throughout his 16-year tenure in Tampa, Stamkos scored 555 goals and had 582 assists in 1,082 games. He’s been a team captain since 2014.

He also has the third most goals among active NHL players. Last season, he scored 40 goals for Tampa Bay.

Stamkos is the Lightning’s all-time leader in goals, points, and games played. He is a seven-time NHL All-Star, two-time Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy winner (2010, 2012), and clinched back-to-back Stanley Cups with Tampa in 2020 and 2021.

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