Steven Stamkos Bids Lightning Fans Goodbye As He Reportedly Nears Deal With Predators

Patrick Andres | Jul 1, 2024

April 9, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) passes the puck against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the third period at Amalie Arena. / Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Monday might have been the end of an era for fans of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

In the morning, reports began to emerge that longtime Lightning center Steven Stamkos was set to sign with the Nashville Predators in free agency. Addressing speculation over his future, Stamkos took to social media to bid Tampa Bay fans farewell.

"Thank you Tampa... I don’t have the words yet... I will soon," Stamkos wrote. "It’s still too early to process. Just wanted everyone to know how thankful we are for 16 years as a bolt. My family and I are excited for the next chapter..."

Thank you Tampa ❤️❤️
I don’t have the words yet ….. I will soon .

It’s still too early to process. Just wanted everyone to know how thankful we are for 16 years as a bolt.

My family and I are excited for the next chapter….

— Steven Stamkos (@RealStamkos91) July 1, 2024

Stamkos has played the entirety of his 16-year career with the Lightning, and he holds the franchise records for games played, goals and points. He has led the league in goals twice and won two Stanley Cups, cracking the 90-point barrier on five separate occasions over a 13-year span.

This season, Tampa Bay went 45-29-8 but lost in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight year.