Steven Stamkos is a Canadian professional ice hockey player for the Tampa Bay Lightning. He is a highly accomplished player, having been drafted first overall in 2008 and winning numerous awards, including two Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophies as the NHL's leading goal-scorer. Stamkos has also been named to seven NHL All-Star Games and led the Lightning to two consecutive Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021. He is known for his prolific scoring ability and is considered one of the best players of his generation.
1940: Historic Stanley Cup Final Goal
In the Stanley Cup Finals of 1940, Billy Taylor Sr. scored a goal in his first playoff game. This feat was replicated by Steven Stamkos on September 23, 2020, marking only the second time this has occurred in NHL history.
1963: Gordie Howe Achieves Four Straight Goals
Gordie Howe, a legendary NHL player, achieved a remarkable feat in 1963 by scoring four consecutive goals in a game.
February 25, 1982: Bobby Carpenter's Natural Hat-Trick
Bobby Carpenter set the record for the youngest player to score a natural hat-trick in the NHL on February 25, 1982.
February 7, 1990: Birth of Steven Stamkos
Steven Stamkos was born on February 7, 1990.
1998: Rick Tocchet Scores Four Straight Goals
In 1998, Rick Tocchet joined the ranks of NHL players who have scored four straight goals in a single game, showcasing his offensive prowess.
1999: Tom Oliver Memorial Hockey Rink Donated to Tampa
The Tom Oliver Memorial Hockey Rink was originally donated to the city of Tampa in 1999 through a legacy initiative the NHL has.
2003: Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament
Stamkos participated in the 2003 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament as a member of the Markham Waxers.
2004: Salary Cap Era Begins
Following the 2004-2005 lockout, the NHL entered a new era with the implementation of a salary cap. This change significantly impacted player contracts and team dynamics.
March 2006: OHL Cup Title
In March 2006, Stamkos and his Markham Waxers team won the OHL Cup title.
2006: Lecavalier Sets Team Goal Record
In 2006, Vincent Lecavalier set a team record for goals in a single season while playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning. This record would later be surpassed by Steven Stamkos.
2006: Drafted by Sarnia Sting
Stamkos was selected first overall by the Sarnia Sting in the 2006 OHL Draft.
2007: Ovechkin Achieves 60-Goal Season
In the 2007-2008 season, Alexander Ovechkin accomplished the impressive feat of scoring 60 goals, making him the most recent player to do so before Steven Stamkos.
2007: OHL and CHL Honors
In 2007, Stamkos was named to the OHL second All-Star team and later selected to the CHL first All-Star team.
July 29, 2008: Signing with the Tampa Bay Lightning
On July 29, 2008, Stamkos signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
October 4, 2008: NHL Debut
Stamkos made his NHL debut on October 4, 2008, playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning against the New York Rangers in Prague, Czech Republic.
October 2008: Stamkos Endorses Tissot Watches
Stamkos began endorsing Tissot watches in October 2008.
October 28, 2008: Stamkos Featured in Nike Commercial
Following his selection into the NHL in 2008, Stamkos was featured in a web-only Nike commercial called Forget Everything, which was released to coincide with his first game in his hometown of Unionville on October 28, 2008.
2008: Drafted by Tampa Bay Lightning
In 2008, Steven Stamkos was selected first overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL Entry Draft.
2008: Stamkos Drafted
In 2008, Steven Stamkos was the first player from the 2008 NHL Entry Draft to record 700 career points, showcasing his early promise and skill in the league.
2008: Lightning's Promotional Efforts Center Around Stamkos
Leading up to the start of the 2008–09 season in 2008, the Lightning centered their promotional efforts around Stamkos, including a website with the slogan "Seen Stamkos?".
2008: Stamkos Wins Gold at World Junior Championships
Stamkos played for Canada in the 2008 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, where he helped the team win a gold medal.
2008: Gary Roberts' Last NHL Season
The 2008-2009 season marked the end of Gary Roberts' NHL playing career.
February 17, 2009: First NHL Hat-Trick
On February 17, 2009, Stamkos scored his first NHL hat-trick in a game against the Chicago Blackhawks.
2009: Stamkos Represents Canada at World Championships
After his rookie season with the Lightning, Stamkos was named to Canada's senior roster for the 2009 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships.
2009: Off-Season Training with Gary Roberts
During the 2009 off-season, Stamkos trained extensively with retired NHL player Gary Roberts.
2009: Breakout Season
The 2009-2010 season was a breakout year for Stamkos, as he emerged as a top scorer in the NHL.
April 10, 2010: 50-Goal Milestone
On April 10, 2010, Stamkos achieved the 50-goal mark for the season with two goals against the Florida Panthers.
December 20, 2010: Stamkos Scores 100th Career Goal
On December 20, 2010, Steven Stamkos achieved a significant milestone by scoring his 100th career goal in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes. This goal also marked his 26th of the season, showcasing his scoring prowess.
2010: Stamkos Selected as Reserve for Winter Olympics
Stamkos was selected as a reserve by Canada for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
2010: First Rocket Richard Trophy
Steven Stamkos won his first Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy in 2010 as the NHL's leading goal-scorer.
January 2011: Stamkos Named to NHL All-Star Game
In recognition of his outstanding performance, Steven Stamkos was selected to play in the NHL All-Star Game in January 2011. This selection highlighted his emergence as a top player in the league.
April 13, 2011: Stamkos Makes Stanley Cup Playoff Debut
On April 13, 2011, Steven Stamkos experienced his first taste of Stanley Cup playoff action in a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
June 22, 2011: Stamkos Named Cover Athlete for NHL 12
On June 22, 2011, at the 2011 NHL Awards Show, Stamkos was named the cover athlete for the EA Sports' NHL 12 video game.
July 1, 2011: Stamkos Becomes Restricted Free Agent
On July 1, 2011, Steven Stamkos's contract status changed as he became a restricted free agent, sparking speculation about his future in the league.
2011: First NHL Second Team All-Star Selection
Steven Stamkos was named to the NHL Second Team All-Star for the first time in 2011.
2011: Teemu Selänne Scores Four Straight Goals
In 2011, Teemu Selänne, a highly skilled forward, accomplished the remarkable feat of scoring four consecutive goals in a game, adding to his legacy as one of the NHL's greats.
2011: Stamkos Develops Trademark Shot
During his early seasons in the NHL, Steven Stamkos became known for his powerful and accurate shot from the left circle. This shot, often compared to Alexander Ovechkin's, became his trademark move.
March 13, 2012: Stamkos Reaches 50-Goal Milestone Again
Steven Stamkos etched his name in NHL history books once more on March 13, 2012, by scoring his 50th goal of the season. This achievement made him the sixth player in league history to record multiple 50-goal seasons before turning 23.
June 2012: Lundqvist Acknowledges Stamkos' Skill
In June 2012, Henrik Lundqvist, goaltender for the New York Rangers, recognized and complimented Stamkos' unique playing style.
2012: Stamkos Stays Active During NHL Lockout
During the 2012-2013 NHL lockout, Steven Stamkos found unique ways to stay active and connected with his hockey roots, including training with fellow NHL players and participating in his father's pick-up hockey league.
2012: Second Rocket Richard Trophy and NHL Second Team All-Star
In 2012, Steven Stamkos achieved two significant milestones: winning his second Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy as the NHL's leading goal-scorer and being named to the NHL Second Team All-Star.
2012: Shortened NHL Season
The 2012-2013 NHL season was significantly shortened due to a lockout, impacting the number of games played and potentially influencing player statistics and team standings.
March 1, 2013: Stamkos Named NHL's First Star of the Month
Steven Stamkos's exceptional performance in February 2013 earned him the prestigious title of NHL's First Star of the Month. His impressive goal streak and consistent point production solidified his status as one of the league's premier players.
March 2013: Sidney Crosby Highlights Stamkos' Threat
In March 2013, Sidney Crosby, captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, emphasized Stamkos' ability to make opponents pay for their mistakes, highlighting his constant threat on the ice.
October 2013: Stamkos Stars in Coca-Cola Zero Commercial
In October 2013, Stamkos played the leading role in a web commercial for Coca-Cola Zero named "Shawn Warford's Moment Zero."
November 11, 2013: Stamkos Suffers Broken Tibia
On November 11, 2013, Steven Stamkos suffered a broken tibia during a game against the Boston Bruins. The injury occurred during a backcheck when his leg collided with the goal post. He underwent successful surgery the following day and began rehabilitation.
November 2013: Stamkos Suffers Broken Tibia
Stamkos sustained a broken tibia in November 2013, preventing him from participating in the 2014 Winter Olympics.
March 5, 2014: Stamkos Returns from Injury, Named Lightning Captain
On March 5, 2014, after missing 45 games due to a broken tibia, Steven Stamkos was cleared to play for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Coincidentally, this was the same day former teammate Martin St. Louis was traded to the New York Rangers. Stamkos was named the new captain of the Lightning, replacing St. Louis.
October 2014: Stamkos and Ovechkin's Rivalry
In October 2014, Jon Cooper, head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning, acknowledged the intense rivalry between Stamkos and Alexander Ovechkin, highlighting how their goal-scoring abilities created a captivating atmosphere.
November 11, 2014: Stamkos Records 200th Career Assist
On November 11, 2014, Steven Stamkos achieved his 200th career NHL assist in a game against the Chicago Blackhawks.
2014: Stamkos Misses Olympics Due to Injury
Stamkos was expected to be a major contributor for Canada in Sochi for the 2014 Winter Olympics but was unable to participate due to injuries.
May 24, 2015: Stamkos Ties Lightning Playoff Record for Goals in Consecutive Games
On May 24, 2015, during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Stamkos scored a goal against the New York Rangers, tying the Lightning playoff record for goals in consecutive games (4).
June 2015: Praise for Stamkos' Leadership
During the 2015 Stanley Cup Finals in June 2015, Lightning teammate Valtteri Filppula described Stamkos as "an example for everybody that works hard".
October 12, 2015: Stamkos Reaches 500 Career Points
On October 12, 2015, Steven Stamkos scored his 500th career NHL point in a game against the Boston Bruins. This achievement made him the third player in Lightning history to surpass 500 points.
2015: First Stanley Cup Finals Appearance
Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lighting reached the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in 2015.
January 6, 2016: Stamkos Selected for Fourth All-Star Game
On January 6, 2016, Steven Stamkos was selected to participate in his fourth NHL All-Star Game, alongside teammate Ben Bishop.
March 2, 2016: Stamkos Named to Canada's World Cup of Hockey Roster
On March 2, 2016, Hockey Canada named Stamkos to its roster for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey in Toronto.
June 29, 2016: Stamkos Signs 8-Year Extension with Lightning
On June 29, 2016, just two days before he was due to become a free agent, Steven Stamkos signed an eight-year, $68 million contract extension with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The deal, worth an average of $8.5 million per year, was a major commitment from both the team and the player. Stamkos was coming off a season in which he scored 36 goals and 64 points in 77 games, and the Lightning were eager to keep their captain and star player.
August 2016: Roenick Praises Stamkos
NBC Sports broadcaster and former NHL player Jeremy Roenick expressed admiration for Stamkos' leadership abilities in August 2016.
November 2016: Stamkos Suffers Knee Injury, Sidelined Indefinitely
In November 2016, Stamkos sustained a knee injury that would sideline him indefinitely. This injury significantly impacted his season.
2016: Stamkos Signs Contract with Lightning
In 2016, Stamkos solidified his future with the Tampa Bay Lightning by signing a contract.
February 20, 2017: Stamkos Begins Skating After Knee Surgery
On February 20, 2017, Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman provided an update on Stamkos' rehabilitation from knee surgery, stating that Stamkos had begun light skating and was progressing well. However, his estimated recovery time remained at four to six months.
June 2017: Stamkos Encourages Donations to Ronald House Charities
After he and his wife Sandra got married in June 2017, Stamkos asked fans to donate to the Ronald House Charities of Tampa rather than give them wedding gifts.
June 30, 2017: Stamkos Marries Long-Time Girlfriend
On June 30, 2017, Stamkos married his long-time girlfriend Sandra Porzio in Toronto.
October 6, 2017: Stamkos Returns from Injury, Records Two Assists
On October 6, 2017, Stamkos marked his return to the ice after suffering a knee injury the previous November. He made an immediate impact, recording two assists in the Lightning's 5-3 victory over the Florida Panthers.
October 26, 2017: Sarnia Sting Announces Retirement of Stamkos' Number
On October 26, 2017, the Sarnia Sting announced it was retiring Stamkos' number 91.
2017: Stamkos Sets Career High with Five-Point Game
In 2017, Stamkos achieved a career milestone by recording five points in a single game, showcasing his exceptional offensive skills and contribution to the team's victory.
January 3, 2018: Stamkos Voted Atlantic Division Captain for 2018 All-Star Game
On January 3, 2018, Stamkos was voted by fans as the captain for the Atlantic Division at the 2018 NHL All-Star Game, marking his fifth selection to the event.
January 12, 2018: Stamkos' Number Retired by Sarnia Sting
Stamkos' number 91 was retired by the Sarnia Sting in a ceremony on January 12, 2018.
October 18, 2018: Stamkos Records 50th Career Game-Winning Goal
On October 18, 2018, Steven Stamkos recorded his 50th career game-winning goal in a 3–1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. This achievement made Stamkos the third player in Tampa Bay Lightning history to reach this milestone.
December 2018: Stamkos Sets Multiple Records
In December 2018, Steven Stamkos reached several milestones: his 700th career NHL point on December 10, his 700th career NHL game on December 20, and his 20th goal of the season on December 22. He also set the Lightning record for the most goals in a single calendar month with 14.
2018: NHL Prohibits Players from 2018 Olympics
The NHL prohibited its players to take part in the 2018 Winter Olympics, which prevented Stamkos from participating.
January 2, 2019: Stamkos Named to 2019 NHL All-Star Game
On January 2, 2019, Steven Stamkos was named to the 2019 NHL All-Star Game, marking his sixth All-Star selection and tying him with Martin St. Louis for the most in Tampa Bay Lightning history.
February 2019: Scotty Bowman Praises Stamkos' Scoring Ability
In February 2019, Scotty Bowman, a renowned NHL coach, recognized Stamkos' exceptional scoring talent, describing him as a player who could capitalize on limited opportunities.
September 2019: Stamkos Helps Refurbish Local Hockey Rink
In September 2019, Stamkos joined Tampa mayor Jane Castor in helping refurbish and reopen the local hockey rink, Tom Oliver Memorial Hockey Rink.
November 16, 2019: Stamkos Scores 400th Career NHL Goal
On November 16, 2019, Steven Stamkos recorded his 400th career NHL goal in a 4–3 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. He became the first player in Tampa Bay Lightning history to achieve this milestone.
January 9, 2020: Stamkos Records 400th Career NHL Assist
On January 9, 2020, Steven Stamkos recorded his 400th career NHL assist on a goal by Nikita Kucherov against the Arizona Coyotes. He became the third player in Tampa Bay Lightning history to reach this milestone.
2020: First Stanley Cup Championship
Steven Stamkos captained the Tampa Bay Lightning to his first Stanley Cup championship in 2020.
December 16, 2021: Stamkos Achieves 900th Point
On December 16, 2021, Stamkos reached a career milestone by scoring his 900th point in a match against the Ottawa Senators. The point was achieved through an assist on a goal by teammate Victor Hedman.
2021: Second Stanley Cup Championship
Steven Stamkos led the Tampa Bay Lightning to their second consecutive Stanley Cup victory in 2021.
2021: Lightning Repeat as Stanley Cup Champions
In 2021, the Tampa Bay Lightning, with Steven Stamkos playing in every playoff game and recording eight goals and 10 assists, repeated as Stanley Cup champions. Stamkos was also nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for the fourth time.
March 16, 2022: Stamkos Plays 900th NHL Game
On March 16, 2022, Stamkos played his 900th game in the NHL. The game was against the Seattle Kraken, and the Tampa Bay Lightning won 4-1, with Stamkos recording three assists.
June 2022: Stamkos Called "Heartbeat" of the Lightning
During the 2022 Stanley Cup Finals in June 2022, Lightning teammate Patrick Maroon labeled Stamkos as the "heartbeat" of the team.
November 15, 2022: Stamkos Achieves 500th Assist
On November 15, 2022, during a game against the Dallas Stars, Stamkos reached another career milestone by notching his 500th assist. The assist was on an overtime goal scored by teammate Alex Killorn.
2022: Second Stanley Cup Finals Appearance
Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning made their second appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals in 2022.
2022: NHL Prohibits Players from 2022 Olympics
The NHL prohibited its players from participating in the 2022 Winter Olympics.
January 18, 2023: Stamkos Makes History with 500th Goal and 11th Hat Trick
On January 18, 2023, Stamkos etched his name in NHL history by becoming the first player in Tampa Bay Lightning history to score 500 career goals. The milestone goal came during a 5-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. Adding to the significance of the night, Stamkos completed his 11th career hat trick in the same game, becoming the eighth player in NHL history to achieve this feat.
June 2023: Stamkos Wins Mark Messier Leadership Award
In June 2023, Stamkos was named the recipient of the Mark Messier Leadership Award for the 2022–23 season.
December 14, 2023: Stamkos Scores First Four-Goal Game
On December 14, 2023, Stamkos had a career night, scoring four goals for the first time in a single game. This remarkable performance also marked his 12th career hat trick and contributed to a 7-4 victory over the Edmonton Oilers.
January 25, 2024: Stamkos Reaches 1,100 Career Points
On January 25, 2024, Stamkos achieved another impressive milestone by recording his 1,100th career point. The point came through an assist on a goal by Nikita Kucherov during a 6-3 win against the Arizona Coyotes. This achievement made him the first player in Tampa Bay Lightning history and the 66th player in NHL history to reach this mark.
July 1, 2024: Stamkos Signs with Nashville Predators
On July 1, 2024, Stamkos made a significant career move by signing a four-year, $8 million contract with the Nashville Predators.