Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos spoke to reporters Monday morning about his return to Tampa, where he spent first 16 years of his career.

For the first time in his career, Steven Stamkos will not be stepping onto ice in Tampa as a member of the Lightning but as a Nashville Predator. Stamkos, who was unable to reach a new deal with the Lightning,

Steven Stamkos knew it would take time, not only for himself but also for his family, after moving on from the Tampa Bay Lightning this summer.

Steven Stamkos returns to Tampa for the first time since signing with Nashville as an unrestricted free agent July 1. Selected by the Lightning with the No. 1 pick in the 2008 NHL Draft, Stamkos played 16 seasons for Tampa Bay,