Tampa Bay Lightning announce Steven Stamkos' replacement as team captain
The Tampa Bay Lightning have announced Steven Stamkos' replacement as their new team captain.
Earlier this summer, long-time forward Steven Stamkos left the Tampa Bay Lightning after signing a four-year deal with Nashville as an unrestricted free agent. The move left the Tampa Bay Lightning without a captain for the first time since Stamkos took over for Martin St. Louis in 2014.
There was plenty of speculation over the summer on who the next captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning would be, with several names being thrown out there, but the organization has finally come to a decision on who will wear the 'C'.
In a post on social media this afternoon, the Tampa Bay Lightning announced that defenceman Victor Hedman has been named their 11th captain in franchise history.
"We are thrilled to have Victor leading our team as the 11th captain in franchise history," said General Manager Julien BriseBois. "Victor is a cornerstone player that is extremely well respected by his teammates, coaches and peers across the NHL. Over the past 15 seasons, he has been a world-class representative for our organization both on and off the ice. Victor embodies what it means to be a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning and is more than ready for this exciting opportunity. We are looking forward to watching him flourish in his new role as we continue to work towards our goal of winning the Stanley Cup."
Hedman, 33, was selected second overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2009 and quickly became a prominent blueliner in the National Hockey League. In 1,052 games, the Ornskoldsvik, Sweden native has 728 points (156 goals, 572 assists) and 742 penalty minutes. He's also gone on to add 117 points in 165 playoff games, helping the Lightning win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021.
The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to open their season with Victor Hedman donning the 'C' on October 11th against the Carolina Hurricanes.
| POLL |
Is Victor Hedman the right choice as Tampa Bay's new captain? |
| Yes | 81 | 88 % |
| No | 11 | 12 % |
| List of polls |
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