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"It saved us" - Steven Stamkos recalls how Lightning's support helped him cope with the loss of his unborn child
In a heartfelt conversation with The Players' Tribune, Steven Stamkos opened up regarding a multitude of subjects, including the heartbreak of dealing with the loss of his unborn child and how the Tampa Bay Lightning's support helped him cope with the grief of it.
Stamkos and his wife Sandra welcomed their first child, Carter Stamkos, in 2019. The couple announced on social media in mid-2020 that they were expecting a second child. Unfortunately, the pair lost their child in a miscarriage in the 21st week, having named her Stella Rose Stamkos.
Steven Stamkos spoke regarding that period in his life on the Players' Tribune:
"Life was weird. It feels so long ago now. But it’s still so vivid. My wife, Sandra, and I were expecting our second child at the time, too. It was this kind of scary, beautiful few months. "
As the whole ordeal took place in the middle of 2020, the player who faced an injury in early 2020 was going through rehab and was advised to maintain the bubble that NHL players followed as per safety protocols.
"I was rehabbing a lot through the Bubble but it was just difficult without all the resources we normally have," Stamkos added.
While mentioning how the Lightning played a part in their time of difficulty, he was very grateful for the help provided by the organization.
"It’s one of those times in my life where I was thankful for everyone we had around us. The support from our loved ones, our friends, the Lightning organization. It saved us," he added.
Steven Stamkos and his next steps in the NHL
The 34-year-old veteran forward made an emotional exit from the Tampa Bay Lightning after signing with the Nashville Predators on a four-year contract worth $32 million in free agency.
Stamkos has been prolific in front of the goal for the Lightning, contributing 80+ points each season over the last three years. The Predators currently don't have any players in their existing roster who have performed with that level of consistency over the last few years.
Adding Stamkos to the attacking duo of Roman Josi and Filip Forsberg will help the Predators get closer to their goal of winning the Stanley Cup.
As a two-time Stanley Cup-winning captain for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Stamkos will be hoping to relay that forward to his new organization and set his legacy as a three-time Stanley Cup champion, putting himself in elite company.
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