Steven Stamkos

At 34 years old, Steven Stamkos has this physical status:

Steven Stamkos (born February 7, 1990) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player and captain for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Stamkos was the first overall pick in the 2006 OHL Entry Draft, from the Markham Waxers of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA).

Playing with the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), he scored 100 goals over two years.

After a successful OHL career, Stamkos was selected first overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

He is a two-time Maurice Richard Trophy winner as the NHL's leading goal-scorer (2010 and 2012), is a two-time NHL Second Team All-Star (2011, 2012) and has been named to six NHL All-Star Games (2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019).

He has scored the most points of any player born in the 1990s.

Early life

Stamkos is of Macedonian and Scottish descent. He grew up in Unionville, Ontario, and played for the Markham Waxers in the Eastern AAA Hockey League of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA). During one of his seasons with the North York Canadiens, he was teammates with NHLer P. K. Subban. Stamkos won eight OMHA titles in a row in minor hockey and led his Waxers club to the OHL Cup title in March 2006. He played in the 2003 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Markham Waxers.

Stamkos attended Central Park Public School and St. Brother André Catholic High School in Markham, Ontario. After being drafted by the OHL's Sarnia Sting, he attended Northern Collegiate Institute and Vocational School in Sarnia.

Personal life

On June 30, 2017, Stamkos married his long-time girlfriend Sandra Porzio. The ceremony was held in Toronto and was attended by several of his current and former teammates.

On October 26, 2017, the Sarnia Sting announced it was retiring Stamkos' number 91. This was done in a ceremony on January 12, 2018. Stamkos was the first player to have his jersey retired in the 23-year history of the Sting.

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Playing career

Stamkos was selected first overall in the 2006 OHL Draft by the Sarnia Sting after a season with the minor Waxers in which he scored 197 points in 66 games. During his youth and junior hockey careers, Stamkos played with other notable current and former NHL players, including Logan Couture, John Tavares, Michael Del Zotto, Cameron Gaunce, Cody Hodgson, and P. K. Subban. He appeared in 92 points (42 goals and 50 assists) over 63 games as a junior rookie, joining the Sting in 2006-07. He was selected to the OHL Second All-Rookie Team, placing second behind Sam Gagner in the center position. Stamkos also earned the Bobby Smith Trophy as the OHL's top scholastic player of the year for his academic contributions off the ice.

Stamkos improved to 58 goals and 105 points in 61 games this season. He was selected to the OHL second All-Star team, but he was later selected to the CHL's first All-Star team, which includes both national and junior leagues. Stamkos was top-ranked throughout the NHL Central Scouting Bureau and International Scouting Services' campaign in his NHL draft-eligible season from 2007-08. He also received the CHL's Top Draft Prospect Award.

Stamkos was largely seen as the best available center in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Drew Doughty and Zach Bogosian, as well as Russian winger Nikita Filatov, were among his top overall picks, as well as Russian winger Nikita Filatov. The Tampa Bay Lightning owned the first pick in 2007, 2008, during which they won an NHL-worst 31 games.

Stamkos was ranked first overall by Tampa Bay, as predicted. He began a three-year, entry-level deal with the Lightning in which he could earn up to $8.55 million in performance rewards. The Lightning concentrated their marketing efforts around Stamkos, including a website with the tag "Seen Stamkos" in the run-up to the 2008-09 season.

At the start of the 2008-09 season, Stamkos appeared in his first NHL game in Prague, Czech Republic. The Lightning struck the New York Rangers 2–1 and were eventually swept in Prague. In his eighth game against his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs, he scored his first point, a secondary assist, and his eighth game, a secondary assist. Following the game, Stamkos said his hometown support was "louder than when the Leafs scored." In the Buffalo Sabres' next game against Ryan Miller, he scored his first goal.

On February 17, 2009, Stamkos registered his first NHL hat-trick of his career, after 54 games. Midway through the second period on the strength of Stamkos' natural hat-trick, the Lightning held a 3–1 lead, but the visiting Chicago Blackhawks defeated them 5–3. Thanks to the three goals, the Stamkos became the first rookie in Lightning history to score three goals in a game. He became the second-youngest player in NHL history to win a natural hat-trick; new record-holder Bobby Carpenter was 18 when he scored three on February 25, 1982.

Despite being largely blamed for his inability during the first half of the season, when he was limited to less than ten minutes of ice time some games (largely due to a spat between then-head coach Barry Melrose and upper management, mainly co-owner Len Barrie on how to approach the development of Stamkos in the NHL), he ended the season with 19 points in his final 20 games. Stamkos scored 23 goals and 46 points in his rookie season, as well as a 93 percent plus-minus rating.

Stamkos spent the summer training with former NHL star Gary Roberts, focusing on muscle and endurance ahead of the 2009-10 season. Roberts was a student at the University of Texas in the 2008–09 season, his last in the NHL. In Roberts' in-house gym, which is a quick drive from Stamkos' family home in Unionville, he oversaw Stamkos' off-season workouts north of Toronto. Stamkos praised the workouts: "It helped me a lot," Stamkos said. "I learned a lot about what I needed to work on." Because of that, certain aspects of my game have improved, and I'll be back again this summer to work hard. It gave me the extra lift for this season.

Stamkos' second year with the Lightning saw him discover his ability as an NHL sharpshooter, as well as a fruitful season. Stamkos started the 2009–10 season with 10 goals in his first 11 games. Stamkos had an 18-game point streak between January and February. By the time he turned 20, he was in the top ten in the NHL in scoring, vying for the likes of Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby.

Stamkos scored two goals against Tampa Bay's Florida Panthers, marking his 50-goal mark for the season. He finished the season with 51 goals, tied for most in the NHL with Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby; the two played for the goal-scoring leaders; he tied Crosby in the final minute of the season's last game of the season with an empty-net goal. After Wayne Gretzky and Jimmy Carson, the Stamkos became the third-youngest player to score 50 goals in a season. His number of goals, 51, was five more than his total points total number in the previous year. In addition,, Stamkos' 44 assists earned him 95 points for the season, good for fifth place in the NHL behind Henrik Sedin, Alexander Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby, and Nicklas Bäckström. However, Tampa Bay ended the year with 34 victories and 80 points. The team's poor track during the season prompted team owner Jeffrey Vinik to terminate Brian Lawton and Rick Tocchet's employment as general manager and head coach.

Stamkos began scoring 19 goals in his first 19 games to raise the bar for elite "50 goals in 50 games" standards. Wayne Gretzky, a scorer in 39 games from 1981 to 1982, told reporters that the Stamkos were surrounded by enough talent in Tampa Bay to succeed.

Stamkos led the Lightning over the Carolina Hurricanes 5–1. On December 20, 2010, Stamkos scored his 26th goal of the season and 100th of his career, leading the Lightning to victory over the Carolina Hurricanes 5–1. In the second period, the Stamkos had one of three Lightning goals late, putting Tampa Bay ahead 5-1. In his 194th NHL game, the center scored a new milestone.

Stamkos was selected by the NHL in January 2011 to compete in the NHL All-Star Game. Team Lidstrom selected Stamkos second overall, with Tampa Bay teammate Martin St. Louis on the team. However, it became clear that Stamkos would not reach the 50-in-50 mark as the season progressed. He had scored an NHL-leading 38 goals in his 52nd game. The last two games of the season were markedly poor; he only scored 7 more goals in the last 30 games. With 45 goals, he ranked second in NHL scoring, behind Corey Perry of the Anaheim Ducks. For the second year in a row, his 91 points ranked him fifth in the NHL for the second year in a row.

Stamkos made his Stanley Cup playoff debut in 2011 when the Lightning ranked fifth in the Eastern Conference. In an 8–2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 23, he scored his first two career playoff goals, as well as an assist. The Lightning advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Bruins. During the game 7, the Stamkos took a slapshot from Bruins defenceman Johnny Boychuk to the face; the result fractured his nose and bloodied his face, causing him to briefly leave the game; despite wearing a full-visored mask. The Lightning then went on to lose the game 1–0, effectively eliminating them from the playoffs. Stamkos had 13 points in 18 games, ranking fifth in team scoring.

On July 1, 2011, Stamkos became a restricted free agent during the offseason. He returned to Tampa Bay after five years, $37.5 million.

In a 6–1 victory over Boston on March 13, 2012, Stamkos scored his 50th goal of the 2011–12 season. He became the sixth player in NHL history to reach more than 50 goals before his 23rd birthday. He scored his 53rd goal against the Philadelphia Flyers on March 26, beating Vincent Lecavalier's record for goals in a season, which was set in 2006–07. Stamkos' "trademark" shot during his first three seasons tied for his fifth overtime goal of the regular season on Friday, defeating Winnipeg Jets goaltender Ondac from the left field five days later.

Stamkos scored his 60th goal in a 4-3 overtime win over Winnipeg on Sunday, becoming the 20th player to do so in NHL history and the first since Alexander Ovechkin did so in 2007–08. Stamkos' 37 assists for 97 points, ranking second in the NHL, 12 behind Henrik Lundqvist) who were named as the NHL's three finalists for the Hart Memorial Trophy in April, adding to his 60 goals. Despite Stamkos' individual success, the Lightning struggled as a team, finishing the season out of the 2012 playoffs at tenth overall in the East.

Stamkos worked with a select group of other NHL players at Gary Roberts' training academy in Ontario during the 2012-2013 NHL lockout. Stamkos had a chance to do things in his hometown, Toronto, which he would not normally do. When he and former Lightning forward Steve Downie decided to mix it up with a team that varied as much in age (22–65) as ability, he participated in his father's pick-up hockey league every Thursday night. Stamkos said, "It was a blast, and the guys loved it because they don't get a chance to play with NHL players very often." "It was a lot of fun and something I'll cherish forever," the narrator said.

After playing for the brief 2012-2013 season, Stamkos was named the NHL's First Star of the Month for February. He was ranked as the Second and Third Stars respectively by Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby and Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Ray Emery, who ranked as the Second and Third Stars. In 11 of 14 games last month, the Stamkos had a season-high six-game winning streak and six multi-point outings, as well as six multi-point outings, with at least one point in 11 of 14. He came to an eight-game point streak in February (seven goals and seven assists).

Stamkos scored his 200th career goal over the Philadelphia Flyers on March 18, 2013. Stamkos scored 29 goals in the NHL, placing him second in the NHL behind Alexander Ovechkin's record of 32. He had 28 assists, giving him a total of 57 points in 48 games.

In a game against the Boston Bruins on November 11, 2013, the Stamkos sustained a broken tibia. In the second period, he was backchecking on a play when he was tied up with Boston defenceman Dougie Hamilton. His left skate appeared to hit the front page first before his right leg crashed into it around the shin region. He attempted to get up twice before crashing to the ice in pain, grabbing his leg just above the ankle. A stretcher was brought out and applause ensued, causing a brief halt. He was admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital. With Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby, the Stamkos tied for the NHL's top scorers on the day. Stamkos underwent successful surgery in Boston on November 12, 2013 to fix a fracture in his right tibia, and he began recovery right away.

On November 25, 2013, Stamkos made a press appearance, where he was seen walking without crutches or a walking boot. He penned in for Canada's miraculous run and was hopeful that he would return to the Lightning before the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. In the end, he was unable to recover in time to participate in the Olympics. However, he was allowed to play for the Lightning on March 5 – the same day former teammate Martin St. Louis was traded to the New York Rangers – and returned March 6 in a game against the Buffalo Sabres, which the team lost 3–1. Before the game, Stamkos was named the new captain of the Lightning after replacing the one who had left St. Louis.

Stamkos played in his 400th NHL game on March 24, 2014, scoring a power play goal to tie the game at three in an eventual 4–3 shootout loss to the Ottawa Senators.

In a Lightning 3–2 shootout loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on November 11, 2014, Stamkos recorded his 200th NHL appearance in his career. On December 9, 2014, Stamkos scored his 250th NHL goal, marking another career milestone. The goal was achieved in a 5-3 loss to the Washington Capitals, his 17th of the season. Stamkos scored a goal in a 2–0 Lightning victory over the New York Rangers on May 24, 2015, tying him for the Lightning playoff record for goals in consecutive games (4). After the Lightning beat the Rangers in seven games, Stamkos and the Lightning will advance to the Stanley Cup Final, where they were defeated in six games by the eventual Stanley Cup champions, the Chicago Blackhawks.

Stamkos scored his 500th NHL point in his career against the Boston Bruins on October 12, 2015. The Lightning will win the game 6–3. Stamkos made history by winning over 500 points in his 500th career appearance. He played for both Martin St. Louis (953) and Vincent Lecavalier (874) as the only players to do so. Stamkos won in overtime over the Winnipeg Jets on October 23, 2015 in his 500th appearance in the NHL. With 97, the Stamkos fell into second place for the most power-play goals in Lightning history. Stamkos went from a tie with former teammate Martin St. Louis, who had 96 power-play goals during his time with the Lightning, to his fourth All-Star Game on January 6, 2016. Ben Bishop was drafted alongside teammates in his fourth All-Star Game. Stamkos scored his 300th goal in his career, when the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2 on February 20, 2016. Stamkos made history by becoming the third Lightning player to reach 300 goals, joining Lecavalier (373) and St. Louis (365). "F]irst of all, it means you've been around for a while, and secondly, I've been blessed to work with a lot of good players," Stamkos said during a post-game interview. I've been able to contribute to goals, and naturally it was a big win for our team." Stamkos won by 4–0 over the New Jersey Devils in their 553 game in Lightning history on February 26, 2016. Stamkos won for the fourth time in Lightning games, beating Brad Richards (552%) for his fourth all-time record. In a 4–1 victory over the Boston Bruins on February 28, 2016, Stamkos earned his 245 career contribution as a member of the Lightning. Stamkos' assistance helped beat Václav Prospal (244) to become the fourth all-time assists with the Lightning.

The Lightning announced on April 2, 2016, that Stamkos had thoracic outlet syndrome, the same injury that sidelined teammate Andrei Vasilevskiy suffered with at the start of the 2015–16 season; it is a condition that is uncommon among hockey players. After the game against the Montreal Canadiens, Stamkos said he first felt some pain in his arm. Dr. Karl Illig, who undertook Vasilevskiy's surgery, was scheduled for surgery on Monday. Steve Yzerman, the Lightning general manager, said that there will be no long-term effect on Stamkos' wellbeing or his career. In addition,, Yzerman said that Stamkos' recovery time will be between one and three months, but the club will have a better idea in a few weeks, where he falls within that time frame. The team's wish, according to Yzerman, is for Stamkos to remain with the club, which follows after a concern was raised about whether Stamkos had played his last game in a Lightning uniform. Stamkos had successful surgery at Tampa General Hospital on April 4, 2016. The Stamkos' surgeon said they intend to examine him in about two weeks, which may have influenced his prognosis. Despite being on blood thinners following surgery, the Stamkos played in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins on May 26, 2016. During the game, he made five attempts, but the Lightning lost 2–1 and were eliminated from the playoffs.

The Lightning signed him to an eight-year, $68 million contract extension on June 29, 2016, just days before Stamkos was set to become an unrestricted free agent. Stamkos appeared in 77 games with the Lightning, scoring 36 goals and 64 points, resulting in first in goals and second in points for the team. "W]e are really appreciative of Steven and his all-stars' efforts and obstructiveness in getting a deal done," general manager Steve Yzerman said at the signing. "We are thrilled to have him as a keystone part of the team for the next eight years," he said.

Stamkos collapsed and left the game on November 15, 2016, which resulted in a torn lateral meniscus in his right knee. Steve Yzerman said there was no timetable for his return and that Stamkos would be out "indefinitely" after "indefinitely" be out. Stamkos underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in Vail, Colorado, to fix a lateral meniscus tear. The procedure, which would keep Stamkos out of the lineup until at least mid-March, was estimated to take four months. This could result in Stamkos missing at least 50 games. The Lightning announced that Stamkos underwent surgery that day later in the day. Stamkos was predicted to miss about four months, as predicted.

On February 20, 2017, Yzerman gave an update on Stamkos' recovery. According to Yzerman, Stamkos had started light skating and is progressing well. Yzerman also stated that his recovery will take 4 to six months. In mid-March, Stamkos will be approaching the four-month recovery window. If Stamkos needs the full six months, he will be out for the remainder of the season.

Jon Cooper, the Lightning head coach, announced on March 29, 2017 that the team's upcoming game against the Detroit Red Wings Stamkos would be considered day-to-day. Stamkos said he did not want to postpone any dates on his return, but he did get a feeling about how his knee was doing. The Stamkos did not return to the lineup for the Lightning this season.

Stamkos played in his first game since injuring his knee the previous season. In his return, Stamkos had an assist, resulting in a 5–3 victory over the visiting Florida Panthers. Stamkos scored his 112th power play goal on October 12, tying him with Vincent Lecavalier for the most power play goals in franchise history. In a 7–1 Lightning victory over the Amalie Arena on October 21, Stamkos scored 113 power play goals against Antti Niemi of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The aim sent the Stamkos over Lecavalier for the most power play goals in franchise history. Stamkos earned his 600th career NHL point during the game. In his 11th straight game to start the season, Stamkos scored a point on October 26, his 11th game on record. In so doing, the Stamkos tied Martin St. Louis for the longest season-opening streak in Lightning history. The following game, the Stamkos' streak came to an end. In his 600th NHL appearance, Stamkos skated in his 600th game in his career. Stamkos was fined $5,000 for unsportsmanlike behaviour after spraying his water bottle at a referee during a game the previous night. In a 6–1 Lightning victory over the visiting Dallas Stars on November 17, Stamkos scored four points. This was Stamkos' fourth four-point game, tieing Stamkos with Martin St. Louis and Vincent Lecavalier for the most four-point games in Lightning history.

Fans selected Stamkos to be the Atlantic Division captain at the 2018 National Hockey League All-Star Game, which was held at Amalie Arena in the Lightning's home arena. This was Stamkos' fifth NHL All-Star Game appearance, moving him over Vincent Lecavalier for his second most NHL All-Star Game appearances by a Lightning player. Stamkos made his 300th appearance in the NHL on January 25, 2018. At the Wells Fargo Center, the monumental feat came as a 5–1 Lightning victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Stamkos scored his 20th goal of the season on February 8, beating the visiting Vancouver Canucks 5–2. This was Stamkos' ninth 20-goal season in franchise history, tying him with Martin St. Louis for second consecutive seasons in franchise history. Stamkos defeated the visiting Flyers 7–6 to set a new career high with a five-point victory on March 3. Stamkos became the seventh Lightning player to score five points in a single game. Stamkos' most regular season games scoring at least four points in franchise history were also scored at least four points in the game, with 11. Stamkos was fined $5,000 for a dangerous ride against Toronto Maple Leafs' defenceman Morgan Rielly, which had been on the previous night at Amalie Arena. Stamkos played in his 663rd NHL game, taking him ahead of Pavel Kubina for the third most games played in Lightning history on March 30, 2016. In a 4-2 victory over the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on May 17, Stamkos scored his 11th career NHL power-play goal. The aim sent the Stamkos past St. Louis for the most playoff power-play goals in franchise history.

In a 3–1 Lightning win over the visiting Detroit Red Wings on October 18, 2018, Stamkos scored his 50th game-winning goal in his career. Stamkos made history by becoming the third franchise player to reach at least 50 game-winning goals, joining Vincent Lecavalier (60) and Martin St. Louis (64). Stamkos scored a power play goal on December 10, his 700th appearance in the league. He was the third player in franchise history to reach 700 career points. Stamkos was also the first player from the 2008 NHL Entry Draft to reach 700 career goals. Stamkos earned his ninth career hat-trick on Friday, while also topping Martin St. Louis (8) for the most hat-tricks in Lightning history. The Lightning beat the visiting New York Rangers 6–3. Stamkos' record-breaking night helped the Lightning beat the Rangers 6-3. Stamkos appeared in his 700th appearance in a single NHL game on December 20. In the second period of the game, he defeated Martin St. Louis for his second-most goals in franchise history, with 366. The goal was scored in a 5–4 shootout victory over the Calgary Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome. With 14 goals in a single calendar month, Stamkos tied the Lightning record for the most goals in a single month.

Stamkos was selected to the 2019 NHL All-Star Game, his sixth All-Star pick, tying him with Martin St. Louis for the most Lightning history. Stamkos scored his 384th goal of his career on March 18, breaking the Lighting team's record for most regular season goals. Stamkos' fifth 40-goal season and fourth 90-point season both ended on March 25, his fifth 40-goal season and his fourth 90-point season. The Stamkos tied St. Louis for the most 90-point seasons in Lightning history. Stamkos scored a goal and an assist on the year's record of 97 points in a single season on April 4, beating his highest point total in a single season. With a goal of seven goals, the aim also set a new franchise record for the most consecutive road games with a goal (7). Stamkos' 98th goal brought his road goal record to 8 games and also set a new career record for points.

In a 3–4 loss to the Winnipeg Jets at Amalie Arena on November 16, 2019, Stamkos scored his 400th career NHL goal. With the franchise, the Stamkos became the first Lightning player to score 400 goals. In a 7-1 Lightning victory over the visiting San Jose Sharks in Amalie Arena, Stamkos scored his 150th and 151st NHL power-play goals. Stamkos became the fourth player in NHL history to reach a total of 150+ power-play goals before the age of 30. Stamkos made his 800th appearance in the NHL on December 28, 2019. With the franchise, the Stamkos became the third player in Lightning history to reach 800 points. Stamkos' 400th career NHL assist on January 9, 2020. The Stamkos became the third player in Lightning history to reach the milestone. Stamkos was named to the NHL's 2010s All-Decade Second Team on January 24, 2020. In that decade, the Stamkos scored 731 points in 672 games. Stamkos' 61st game-winning goal of his career came on February 4, 2020. The goal put him over Vincent Lecavalier for his second most game-winning goals in Lightning history. In his 800th NHL game, Stamkos skated on February 17, 2020. Stamkos became the first franchise players to play in 800 career games in St. Louis and Lecavalier.

Stamkos underwent surgery on March 2, 2020, to rebuild a core muscle. Stamkos recovered in 6–8 weeks after the operation, which meant he missed the remainder of the regular season. In the third game of the Stanley Cup Finals, on September 23, 2020, Stamkos returned to the Lightning lineup, where he scored on his first shot of the season. Billy Taylor Sr.'s goal in 2005 was the second time a player skating in a player's debut in the Stanley Cup Finals had scored a goal, the previous being Billy Taylor Sr. in 1940. During the game, which was his only game of the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs, the Stamkos logged just 2:47 of ice time. The Lightning will win the Stanley Cup for the first time in Stamkos' first appearance.

In 2021, the Stanley Cup champions would return as champions of the Stanley Cup.

Career statistics

Bold indicates led league

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