Martin St. Louis shocks fans with his comments regarding Stamkos' departure

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Daniel Lucente
July 27, 2024 (12:29)

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Steven Stamkos said bye to Tampa Bay and signed with the Nashville Predators this off-season, and Martin St. Louis commends him for doing that.

St. Louis is the head coach of the Montreal Canadiens and still remembers his Tampa Bay Lightning days fondly. He believes that the move that Stamkos made was the best decision he could have made, as changing teams will provide him with different fans, a different style of play and a new city experience. The Predators signed Stamkos to a four-year, $32 million contract on July 1st.

Martin St. Louis said he spoke to Steven Stamkos about leaving Tampa Bay following Stamkos signing in Nashville.

"He's going to look back on his career and I think he's going to be happy that he experienced something else."

About 10 years ago, St. Louis was traded from the Lightning to the New York Rangers after he requested a trade. The main difference between his situation and that of Stamkos is that Stamkos actually wanted to remain with Tampa.

Julien Brisebois, GM of the Lightning, said that he was unable to commit to paying the contract that Stamkos wanted, as it would interfere with the long-term plan they have at winning a Stanley Cup. He said that his club was simply too close to the salary cap.

NHL fans are looking forward to watching the first game next season that Stamkos plays against his former team. It'll be a dandy.

Credit ClutchPoints:
Martin St. Louis gives honest take on Steven Stamkos leaving for Predators