Steven Stamkos finally reveals why he turned down signing with the Leafs in 2016

Before signing his 4-year, $32M deal in Nashville this summer, Stamkos had spent his enter career as a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning after being drafted 1st overall back in 2008. Stamkos experienced some low lows in Tampa, but also the highest of highs, securing two Stanley Cups for the Florida-based franchise in 2020 and 2021.

There was a time, however, where it appeared as though Stamkos was seriously considering leaving. In the summer of 2016, Stamkos toured around and was wined and dined by several NHL clubs, including his hometown Maple Leafs, testing the free agent market to see what else was out there for him if he did opt to leave Tampa. In the end, he chose to stay with the Lightning, signing an 8-year deal worth a total of $68M.

Stamkos had never really spoken about the ordeal at length, but in today's official release, Stamkos revealed why he opted to return to Tampa instead of signing elsewhere back in 2016. Ultimately, he wanted to finish what he started in Tampa, and as fate would have it, he did just that.

Stamkos went on to touch on his serious injuries and how he almost wanted to quit playing hockey at certain points during his career, revealing that Tampa always supported him, insinuating that his loyalty to the organization played a huge role in him extending there and wanting to finish his career there. Obviously, it worked out in 2016, but not so much in 2024.

Stamkos, one of the most prolific goal scorers of his generation, will look to start a new chapter in Nashville this coming season, and with a freshly re-vamped Predators team, the chances of challenging for another Stanley Cup seem very promising.

The Predators not only landed Stamkos in free agency this summer, but also Brady Skjei and Jonathan Marchessault, bolstering both their forward group and their blueline pretty significantly. They also have a pair of world class goalies in Juuse Saros and Yaroslav Askarov tending the twine.

Best of luck to Stamkos in Nashville, and there's no doubt that he's already cemented his legacy and a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame at some point in the future. And even though he didn't sign in Toronto, it's still nice to see a good Markham, Ontario boy having the type of success that Stamkos has had in his decorated NHL career.

Source for salary info: PuckPedia
Steven Stamkos player profile