Steven Stamkos Brings Home Hardware on NHL 2023 Award Night

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos is no stranger to bringing home hardware. He was already a two-time winner of the Rocket Richard trophy (NHL’s leading goal scorer) in 2010 and 2012. Monday night at the 2023 NHL awards in Nashville, Stamkos took home the Mark Messier Leadership Award for his involvement in the Tampa Bay community.
Stamkos took home the Mark Messier Leadership Award for his involvement in the Tampa Bay community. It is the third award from the end of the year show of his career.

The award has been given out since the 2006-07 season and Stamkos was the first member of the Tampa Bay Lightning to ever win the award. NHL.com describes the award as given “to the player who exemplifies great leadership qualities to his team, on and off the ice, during the regular season and who plays a leading role in his community growing the game of hockey.”

A tribute video described why the Lightning captain won the award following the announcement inside of Bridgestone Arena.

“He has become a pillar in his adopted community. For more than a decade, Stamkos has been supporting families at the Ronald McDonald House of Tampa Bay through contributions through the player-ticket program, meet and greets with families, and donations funded by his goals and assists.”

Alot of donations were made this past season considering that Stamkos finished the 2022-23 season with 34 goals and 50 assists.

The Bolts’ leader had a heartfelt speech following the announcement and tribute video as well.

“It’s [the community in Tampa] been something I have been fortunate to be a part of in Tampa for 15 years and be under the guidance of Mr. Vinik and his family for the past ten…being involved in the Ronald McDonald house means a lot to my family and I.”

Stamkos’ attention now turns to the 2023-24 NHL season, which will be his 16th in the NHL.