Steven Stamkos' shocking truth as to why he didn't sign with Leafs in 2016
Fans in Tampa were shocked when Steven Stamkos revealed the real reason why he chose to sign with the Lightning as opposed to with the Leafs in 2016.
Stamkos just signed a 4-year, $32M contract with the Nashville Predators a couple of weeks ago, and prior to that, he spent his entire career with the Lightning, dating back to when they selected him 1st overall in 2008. He won two Stanley Cups with the team, in 2020 and 2021.
Back in 2016, Stamkos strongly considered signing with the Maple Leafs when he was a UFA. He ultimately chose to re-sign an 8-year deal with the Lightning. No one ever knew the real reason Stamkos chose Tampa over Toronto, 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 felt his time in Tampa would have been incomplete until he could hoist the Cup with them. His dream came true not 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 nothing further to accomplish in Tampa, as he's done it all.
Many Leafs fans are probably wondering why Stamkos chose to fleece Toronto for a second time this past summer, but they need to look no further than the Leafs cap situation, which is right up at the limit.
Credit Maple Leafs Daily:
Steven Stamkos finally reveals why he turned down signing with the Leafs in 2016
Steven Stamkos finally reveals why he turned down signing with the Leafs in 2016
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