Steve Kouleas drops “real truth” regarding Steven Stamkos and Tampa Bay Lightning’s ugly split (Image Credit: IMAGN)

Hockey broadcaster Steve Kouleas recently discussed the “real truth” about Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning’s ugly fallout. Kouleas shared his insights into what really went down between both parties.

Stamkos was drafted No. 1 overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2008 NHL draft. After 16 seasons and 1,082 games, the 34-year-old left the organization, signing with the Nashville Predators at this year’s free agency.

On the NHL Network, Steve Koleas spilled the tea, revealing that the Tampa Bay Lightning showed Steven Stamkos the door because they simply didn’t want him anymore.

Koleas pointed at some hard feelings brewing towards the team’s end, with the team seemingly having set their sights on Jake Guentzel, leading to their decision to move on from Stamkos. Another reason Koleas highlighted was the concerns about Stamkos’ age catching up with him.

“Well, full disclosure. The real truth is, they didn’t want him anymore. You heard him say ill will at the end. Did they string him along? It’s the team’s right to move off a player they might think is aging. It’s the fans’ right to be upset. It’s his right to be disappointed. But if they wanted Jake Guentzel more, and that’s what they did. Then they made their decision,” Kouleas said.

The Bolts acquired Jake Guenztel from the Carolina Hurricanes a day before Stamkos inked a four-year, $32 million contract with the Predators on the first day of NHL free agency (July 1).

Since the beginning of the 2023–24 season, discussions regarding Stamkos’ future with the Lightning have remained uncertain. When the training camp kicked off, the 34-year-old former Bolts captain openly shared his disappointment about the lack of negotiations during last year’s off-season.

After his last season, Stamkos made it clear that he wanted to stay in Tampa Bay. However, talks didn’t gain much traction as the season progressed, with GM Julien Brisbois finally confirming on the second day of the NHL draft weekend that there wouldn’t be a deal for Steven Stamkos before the market opened.

Steven Stamkos opens up about leaving Lighting for Nashville

During an interview with TSN Canada, Steven Stamkos openly admitted that while he had a strong desire to remain in Tampa, circumstances led him to a new chapter in Nashville.

“It’s not for a lack of effort on my side (to try) to make things work out in Tampa, but it’s not fair to Nashville for me to sit here and say I really wanted to be in Tampa,” Stamkos said. “Everyone knows I did. It didn’t work out, and I’m just as thrilled to be joining the Nashville Predators for a multitude of reasons.

You can see by how aggressive they’ve been today that their commitment to winning is second to none.”

Stamkos finished his Lightning career as the club’s leader in goals (555), points (1,137), and games played (1,082). He will begin a new chapter in his career with the Nashville Predators, who kick off their 2024–25 season in October.