Lightning honor Stamkos in return to Tampa Bay

The Lightning honored franchise icon Steven Stamkos with a touching video tribute in his first game back in Tampa Bay after signing with the Nashville Predators as a free agent this past offseason.

Stamkos was visibly emotional while the video aired at Amalie Arena and received a lengthy standing ovation afterward.

"Pretty weird night, pretty emotional," Stamkos said postgame, per WDAE's Jay Recher. "But once the tribute happened, you kind of settle into the game and focus on what you need to do to help your team win."

The 34-year-old recorded a pair of assists in Nashville's 3-2 overtime loss Monday. He's managed a goal and two assists in nine games this season.

"Where it all began as an 18-year-old kid is right here," Stamkos said. "I grew up from a boy to a man, a Stanley Cup champion, a husband, a father, a son. Most of my life has been here, so it's definitely emotional."

Stamkos spent 16 seasons with the Lightning and is the franchise's all-time leader in games played (1,082), goals (555), and points (1,137). He captained the Bolts to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021.