Steven Stamkos is a household name in the NHL and has been for some time. He has earned every inch of everything he's accomplished in the league and hasn't been given anything for free. Stammer is not only a skilled player, but also a great leader, a tremendous competitor and has also overcome a great deal of adversity in his NHL career, overcoming multiple significant injuries before winning hockey's greatest prize - twice.
Stamkos has 2 Stanley Cups to his credit, and has won 2 Rocket Richard Trophies as well. He is an NHL captain and despite missing time due to devastating injuries, he hasn't lost a step or missed a beat. He was the most coveted free agent back in 2016 before striking a deal to return to Tampa on an 8-year deal, worth $68M. However, at one point, he was almost dealt to the New York Rangers, which would have meant a very different career path.
Back in 2010, the Lightning reportedly had a deal with the New York Rangers on that table that would have seen Steven Stamkos moved from the Lightning to the Rangers, with a few of the following names being tossed around in New York: Michael Del Zotto, Evgeny Grachev, Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky and/or Dan Girardi. The deal would have included more than 1 of these names and possibly even as many as 3 of them.
Fortunately for the Lightning, their co-owner had stepped in and nixed the deal, retaining Stamkos and, obviously, we now know that it was the best decision he had ever made.
