The real reason Steven Stamkos didn't choose the Maple Leafs in 2016 revealed
Photo credit: Score
Fans in Tampa were taken aback when Steven Stamkos disclosed the true reason behind his decision to sign with the Lightning instead of the Leafs in 2016.
Stamkos recently inked a four-year, $32 million deal with the Nashville Predators a few weeks back. Before this move, he had been with the Lightning his entire career, starting from when they drafted him first overall in 2008. He celebrated two Stanley Cup victories with the team, in 2020 and 2021.
In 2016, Stamkos seriously weighed the option of signing with the Maple Leafs as an unrestricted free agent. However, he ultimately decided to stay with the Lightning, signing an eight-year deal. The real reason Stamkos chose Tampa over Toronto remained a mystery, until recently when he revealed all.
"So when I re-signed in 2016, I wanted to finish what we started. And I had this vision of it in my head, right? Like the perfect ending to the story. Leading us through the playoffs in front of our city, lifting the Cup at Amalie, living out childhood dreams. I could see it."
-Stamkos on why he decided to stay in Tampa in 2016
-Stamkos on why he decided to stay in Tampa in 2016
Stamkos believed his tenure in Tampa wouldn't be complete without lifting the Cup with them. His dream was fulfilled not just once, but twice.
After 16 years, Steven Stamkos leaves the Lightning as a legend🐐
⚡ Franchise leader in games played
⚡ Franchise leader in goals
⚡ Franchise leader in points
⚡ 2x Stanley Cup Champions
⚡ Franchise leader in games played
⚡ Franchise leader in goals
⚡ Franchise leader in points
⚡ 2x Stanley Cup Champions
Stamkos had achieved everything possible in Tampa Bay, leaving no further goals to pursue there.
Leafs fans might wonder why Stamkos turned down Toronto again this summer, but their cap situation, currently at its limit, provides a clear answer.
Source: Hockey Patrol
Steven Stamkos' shocking truth as to why he didn't sign with Leafs in 2016
Steven Stamkos' shocking truth as to why he didn't sign with Leafs in 2016
| POLL | ||
15 JUILLET | 200 ANSWERS The real reason Steven Stamkos didn't choose the Maple Leafs in 2016 revealed Would you like Steven Stamkos to retire as a Maple Leaf in the future? | ||
| Yes | 51 | 25.5 % |
| No | 149 | 74.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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