Steven Stamkos said he doesn’t know what to expect when he hits the ice at Amalie Arena for the first time as a member of the Nashville Predators to face his former team, the Tampa Bay Lightning, on Monday.
Stamkos spent 16 seasons with the Lightning — winning two Stanley Cups and setting multiple franchise records — before becoming an unrestricted free agent and signing with the Predators.
The 34-year-old centre from Markham, Ont., is back in his old stomping grounds with his new club and spoke to reporters ahead of Monday’s game.
“It’s not something that you really know I think until you go through it,” Stamkos said. “I’ve got that question a lot leading up to this game. Obviously, the excitement level to be back in this city and in this building where … there’s been so many amazing memories for a really long time.
“I’m sure the emotions will kick in as game time approaches and you get out on the ice. It’ll be special for sure.”
Stamkos was drafted first overall by the Lightning in 2008 and holds franchise records for games played (1,082), goals (555) and points (1,137).
He also served as captain for 10 years and guided the Lightning to four Stanley Cup appearances with back-to-back championships in 2020 and 2021.
Stamkos knew it would take time, not only for himself but also for his family, after moving on.
“This is all I had known my whole life as a professional athlete,” Stamkos said. “It is certainly difficult in terms of that, but I landed in a very good place in terms of a place that is now home for my family. That transition has been great. They have probably handled it a lot better than I have personally.
“Obviously, we did not get off to the greatest start, myself included. You put that pressure on yourself, but we’ve turned the page a little bit. I probably thought the family transition was going to be harder than the hockey one and it has been the opposite. I would rather have it that way where my wife and kids are making the transition and I can figure it out myself.”
Lightning defenceman Victor Hedman, who called Stamkos his teammate for 15 seasons, said it’s going to be different seeing him stepping out on the ice.
“It’s going to be weird for sure, but that’s how it is,” said Hedman, who took over as Lightning captain this season. “We’ve got to focus on the game and try to get two points for our team.”
Stamkos has one goal in eight games with the Predators and knew he was going to have to find his way a little bit in terms of where he fit with a new organization while adjusting to a new group of players.
“I think that that is a part of the natural transition period. Some good days and some days where you are still figuring things out,” Stamkos said. “I was here for so long that I was the guy that everyone was coming up to with questions and concerns and you would have all of the answers right? Now, I’m the guy asking the questions so it is a little different.
“It takes time. As much as you want things to click overnight, there is a transitional period. I am certainly working through that right now. As long as I can control the mental aspect because that is something I have never really had to worry about in terms of being in that comfort zone. It was almost like you are in that zen mode all of the time because you know exactly what’s going to happen and the players and the chemistry you build with guys over numerous years and, now, you start from scratch. That has taken some time and I will continue to work at it.”
Nashville lost five straight to start the season, but has won its past three games and is seventh in the Central Division.
Tampa Bay (5-3-0) is second in the Atlantic Division and has won two of its past three games.
Watch the Predators-Lightning game at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT on Sportsnet+.