Boucher: Martin St. Louis – The Return

This week an NHL forward returned to face his former team after being traded earlier this year. He had spent the bulk of his career with one team becoming one of the faces of the franchise and a leader in the locker room. This player was also recognized for his play at the NHL Awards. He has represented his country in international competition, including the Sochi Winter games. The player in question is Ryan Kesler. His Anaheim Ducks traveled to face the Vancouver Canucks Thursday night. The crowd’s reception was less than welcoming. This story may be familiar to Lightning fans. Former captain Martin St. Louis returns to Tampa for the first time this Wednesday and it’s difficult to know exactly what will happen that night.

The Marty situation remains a contentious one among Tampa Bay Lightning fans. There’s no denying his contributions to the team during his tenure here. The double overtime goal in Game 6 of the 2004 Stanley Cup Final immediately springs to mind. Without Marty there is a good chance that series ends very differently. He is forever linked to the Lightning and there is no way to deny that. Some fans have moved on because they deem it impossible to hold a grudge against a player who did so much. Others are slower to forgive because of the circumstances of his departure. A lot of these things seem to parallel what happened with Kesler in Vancouver.

During Thursday’s game a video tribute was shown for Kesler. The video was only about 15 seconds long and the fans’ reaction was mixed. You can pick out some cheers but the boos of other are the overriding reaction:

There has been some debate as to if the team should show or do anything during the Rangers game after how the trade went down. No matter the sour taste left in our mouths, the team will more than likely do something to honor St. Louis’ time in Tampa Bay. The reason for a tribute comes down to one word: class. Since Mr. Vinik bought the team they have set out to be a “world class organization” from top to bottom. They want to do things the right way and ignoring a man who is so closely linked with some of the franchise’s best moments is the opposite of that. The Bolts will take the high road no matter what happened back in March.

The wild card will be how the fans react to a tribute. The success of the team and excellent play of Ryan Callahan have smoothed the rough edges significantly but it’s still a very touchy subject. A lot of people still feel betrayed and will let their displeasure be known. Some will proudly wear their St. Louis sweaters and cheer for their returning hero. There’s bound to be some who remain silent because it’s still difficult to know how to react. There’s no right or wrong answer.

There are plenty of reasons to cheer and jeer #26. Marty’s reception in Tampa will probably be similar to the one Ryan Kesler received in Vancouver. Mixed opinions reign among the fanbases, but they will be vocal either way. We want to hear from you if you’re going to the game.

What will your reaction to St. Louis’ return be?

(Feature Box Photo/Christine Gunn)

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