Leading The Way: Eight New Captains You Might See Next Season

Apr 24, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) celebrates with center Nate Thompson (44) after scoring a goal during the second period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Douglas Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Lightning: Steven Stamkos

Steven Stamkos gives Tampa Bay Lightning fans’ hope that a strong future is ahead, and he can single-handedly turn the franchise around.

After another disappointing season, Stamkos continued to be among league leaders in offensive stats, along with teammate Martin St. Louis. At only 23, he has become consistently one of the elite forwards in the league, scoring 60 goals in 2012.

The Lightning still need to put a few more pieces in place before they can make another stab at returning to the Stanley Cup Final, but with Stamkos at the helm, it is one thing that the front office doesn’t have to worry about.

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