The Tampa Bay Lightning have named Steven Stamkos the tenth captain in franchise history. (Photo/Susan Ferlita)
“Steven Stamkos was destined to be the leader of our team,” head coach Jon Cooper said. “The fact that it’s happening now just puts us one step closer to achieving our ultimate goal and that is trying to win the Stanley Cup.”
From NHL.com: Stamkos, 24, has played his entire career with the Lightning since being drafted first overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Since then Stamkos has skated in 390 games with Tampa Bay, amassing 222 goals and 409 points. In just under five seasons with the Lightning, Stamkos already ranks third all-time on the franchise lists for goals, power-play goals and game-winning goals. He is fourth all-time for points and is tied for sixth for assists.
The Markham, Ontario native is a two-time Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy-winner as the NHL’s scoring champion, sharing the trophy with Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby in 2010 and winning it outright with a 60-goal season in 2012. Since the 2009-10 campaign no NHL player has scored more goals than Stamkos’ 199 (Alex Ovechkin – 196). He made his NHL debut on October 4, 2008 against the New York Rangers and scored his first NHL goal on October 30, 2008 against the Sabres, who he faces tonight. Stamkos has been selected to play in the NHL All-Star Game on two occasions, representing Tampa Bay in 2011 and 2012, and was also named to the NHL’s Second All-Star Team following each of those years.
Stamkos also made his much-awaited return to the line-up tonight after suffering a broken right tibia on November 11 at the TD Garden in Boston. The injury kept him from playing for Team Canada at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, despite being selected for the team. He has represented his home nation at the IIHF World Championships in 2013, 2010 and 2009. Stamkos also played in the 2008 IIHF World Junior Championships.
In addition to Stamkos being named captain, the team also announced that defenseman Eric Brewer will serve as a full-time alternate captain, filling Stamkos’ previous position. Defenseman Matt Carle and forward Nate Thompson will continue to share alternate duties, but will change from earlier this season with Carle wearing the “A” at home and Thompson wearing it on the road.
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