Tampa Bay Lightning appoint new captain after parting ways with franchise icon Steven Stamkos

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Gabriel Sami
September 18, 2024 (1:21 PM)

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After parting ways with Steven Stamkos this summer, the Tampa Bay Lightning have now formally named their 11th captain in franchise history.

Vice president and general manager Julien BriseBois announced today that defenseman Victor Hedman has been named the 11th captain in the history of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Top forward Nikita Kucherov and Ryan McDonagh, a defenseman, will be the alternate captains.

«We are thrilled to have Victor leading our team as the 11th captain in franchise history,» said BriseBois. «Victor is a cornerstone player that is extremely well respected by his teammates, coaches and peers across the NHL. Over the past 15 seasons, he has been a world-class representative for our organization both on and off the ice. Victor embodies what it means to be a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning and is more than ready for this exciting opportunity. We are looking forward to watching him flourish in his new role as we continue to work towards our goal of winning the Stanley Cup.»

The Tampa Bay Lightning have allowed franchise legend Steven Stamkos to sign a free agent contract with the Nashville Predators, which has created a stir during this wild off-season. Stamkos has been the team captain for a long time, and his departure freed up a number of players to take on the leadership role.

In addition to his stellar play during the regular season, Hedman has been one of the Lightning's best postseason players ever. The two-time Stanley Cup champion is the only player in Tampa Bay history to have played the most postseason games (165), and he is one of three Bolts players to have won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player for his team during the playoffs.

Previous Lightning Captains:

Steven Stamkos 2013-14 - 2023-24

Martin St. Louis 2013-14

Vincent Lecavalier 2008-09 - 2012-13

Tim Taylor 2006-07 - 2007-08

Dave Andreychuk 2002-03 - 2005-06

Vincent Lecavalier 1999-00 - 2000-01

Chris Gratton 1999-00

Bill Houlder 1999-00

Rob Zamuner 1998-99

Mikael Renberg 1997-98

Paul Ysebaert 1995-96 - 1997-98

None 1992-93 - 1994-95

The team still has a ton of elite talent, even though they might not be as strong as they once were. With Hedman leading the way, there's no reason they won't be a Stanley Cup contender in 2024-2025.

Source: Tampa Bay Lightning
Lightning name Victor Hedman the 11th captain in franchise history

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SEPTEMBRE 18 \| 73 ANSWERS Tampa Bay Lightning appoint new captain after parting ways with franchise icon Steven Stamkos Is Victor Hedman the best choice to captain the Tampa Bay Lightning?
Yes	58	79.5 %
No	15	20.5 %
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