Erik Cernak leaks the reason why the Tampa Bay Lightning parted ways with Steven Stamkos
Photo credit: The Hockey News
The NHL was stunned this past summer when the Tampa Bay Lightning and their long-time captain, Steven Stamkos, parted ways, leading to Stamkos signing with the Nashville Predators.
Many believed Stamkos hitting free agency was just a negotiating tactic. After all, he had been the Lightning's captain since 2013, had a 60-goal season, and led the team to two Stanley Cup championships.
However, when the news broke that the potential future Hall of Famer signed a four-year, $32 million deal with the Nashville Predators, reality hit hard for fans in Tampa Bay and across the league.
To fill Stamkos' role, the Lightning made a big move around the draft, bringing in Jake Guentzel, a younger player known for his strength on the rush. Guentzel, who honed his skills alongside Sidney Crosby, is seen as a key addition, especially in improving the team's play against the rush-a major focus for Tampa Bay this season.
In an interview with Elliotte Friedman, Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak mentioned that one of the reasons for the team's moves this offseason was to improve their rush defense. He credited AHL Syracuse coach Benoit Groulx for helping him develop the small details of his game, which played a critical role in his journey to the NHL.
Cernak credited AHL Syracuse coach Benoit Groulx for agreeing to go out on the ice with him before practice when the defenceman was with the Crunch, a critical step in his grind towards the NHL. Groulx taught him «all the small details I have to do, add to my game. He was hard on me. Sometimes you don't like it, but that's the way you get better and get to your dream.»
He also confirmed one thing I'd heard: the Lightning thought they were vulnerable against the rush in 2023-24, and some of the changes made were to address that.
He also confirmed one thing I'd heard: the Lightning thought they were vulnerable against the rush in 2023-24, and some of the changes made were to address that.
Whether parting ways with Stamkos was the right decision remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the new era in Tampa Bay is shaping up to be very different from what anyone expected.
Source Sportsnet:
32 Thoughts: A collection of late off-season notes
32 Thoughts: A collection of late off-season notes
| POLL | ||
AOUT 26 | 143 ANSWERS Erik Cernak leaks the reason why the Tampa Bay Lightning parted ways with Steven Stamkos Do you think Steven Stamkos will score 40 goals in his first season with the Nashville Predators? | ||
| Yes | 63 | 44.1 % |
| No | 80 | 55.9 % |
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