Nov 25, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Martin St. Louis (26) against the New York Rangers during the second period at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
10. Tampa Bay Lightning Sign Marty St. Louis
Date: July 31, 2000
He has helped so many different players careers during his time in the league, and has become an inspiration for some of the leagues bright young players who looked up to him when they were growing up. His name is Martin St. Louis, and signing him as an unrestricted free agent was one of the best moves in franchise history.
The Lightning signed St.Louis before the 2000 season, and though things didn’t click right away due to both inconstancy and injury, St.Louis openly adopted changes to his game knowing his career was at the crossroads.
Two seasons later, St.Louis had his breakout season scoring 70 points and becoming an NHL All-Star for the first time. That same year, the team won it’s first ever playoff series against the Washington Capitals. This became the stepping stone to a magical season that would follow in 2004.
The 2003-2004 was a magical season for the Tampa Bay Lightning. The team finished with the top record in the Eastern Conference and St.Louis finished the regular season with 94 points. Marty helped lead the team through the playoffs with wins against the New York Islanders, Montreal Canadians, Philadelphia Flyers, and finally the Calgary Flames to capture the organizations first ever Stanley Cup title.
Though his time in Tampa Bay ended with a bitter taste, Marty St. Louis is one of the original players that helped put Lightning hockey on the map, and was a key cog in bringing the Stanley Cup to the city of Tampa.
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