Steven Stamkos reveals why he turned down the Leafs in free agency

The Tampa Bay Lightning let go of their captain on opening day of Free agency earlier this month, almost without looking back. Moments later, Steven Stamkos joined the Nashville Predators as his former club inked Jake Guentzel to a monster deal after acquiring him via trade, and followed it up by signing defenseman Victor Hedman to an extension. That deal is identical to the contract Stamkos signed with the Preds…

The pill was tough to swallow for Stamkos, though he feels confident about pursuing his career in Music City and win a championship there.

That’s one thing he didn’t see happening in Toronto back in 2016 when he was about to become a free agent. He ultimately chose to re-sign with the Lightning, but many insiders believed then that Stammer could sign with his hometown team in Toronto at the time. Finally in his personal letter to the Tampa fans on the Players’ Tribune, the former Bolts’ captain explained why he turned down the Maple Leafs in the summer of 2016.

“So when I re-signed in 2016, I wanted to finish what we started. And I had this vision of it in my head, right? Like the perfect ending to the story. Leading us through the playoffs in front of our city, lifting the Cup at Amalie, living out childhood dreams. I could see it.”

The Predators are getting a tremendously talented player and leader. Despite his age, Stamkos is coming off a 40-goal, 81-point season and has won two Stanley Cups as the heart and soul of the Lightning. GM Barry Trotz is hoping he can do the same in Nashville.

I wonder if, as a new member of the Predators, who once again did not sign with the Maple Leafs, Stamkos can see it too in Nashville.