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Lynch: Blackhawks can relate to Stamkos’s return to Tampa Bay

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Steven Stamkos #91 of the Nashville Predators waves to the crowd of his former team, the Tampa Bay Lightning.

It was an emotional night in Tampa Bay on Monday, something the Chicago Blackhawks can relate to.



Steven Stamkos played his first game as a visitor at Amalie Arena, something the Chicago Blackhawks experienced last season with Patrick Kane returning to Chicago.

Stamkos played 1,082 games for the Lightning, winning two Stanley Cups for the team who drafted him first overall with in 2008. In a lot of ways, Stamkos was the face of the Lightning, despite Tampa Bay having plenty of other star players as well.

Monday was a picture perfect night, one that saw the Lightning win 3-2 in overtime despite Stamkos registering two assists. The big moment came when Stamkos received a lengthy tribute from Tampa Bay.

Seeing Stamkos return to Tampa Bay is a moment that reminds me of two tributes from the United Center. Last year, Patrick Kane made his return to the Windy City with the Detroit Red Wings, scoring the game winning goal in overtime.

Similar to Stamkos’s tribute, Kane had a lengthy ovation from Blackhawks fans.

For Blackhawks fans, it was a moment to thank Kane for all his years in the Windy City. It was also a moment to say goodbye as Kane left in the middle of the season in a trade with the New York Rangers.

Admittedly, it is still a little weird to see Patrick Kane in a Red Wings jersey. Kane was the face of the Blackhawks for over a decade, winning three Stanley Cups and playing in 1161 NHL games with the franchise.

Kane played his last game in Chicago February 2023, and just a few months later the Blackhawks also said goodbye to longtime captain Jonathan Toews.

Kyle Davidson and the Blackhawks made it clear that Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane were not going to be re-signed at the end of their contracts in 2023. The Blackhawks wanted to start a new era.

That in itself is different then the Lightning’s situation. Tampa Bay General Manager Julien BriseBois is working to extend the Lightning’s championship window, and his decision to not re-sign Stamkos was at the result of the salary cap and trying to set up the best team to win.

The Hawks decision came during a rebuild, one that still leaves fans questioning two years later.

Kane is set to return to Chicago again on Wednesday, Nov. 6. It is the Blackhawks next home game and one that should bring out fans yet again. But with the Hawks continuing to struggle and find a good linemate for Connor Bedard and a consistent second line center who can win faceoffs I wonder if they are missing Kane and Toews right about now.

For more Blackhawks News from Jim Lynch and Brooke LoFurno, visit Chicago Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.

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