Lightning Captain Steven Stamkos Clears Up Retirement Rumors

Last season some rumors surfaced that Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos was banged up and contemplating retirement and it turns out that was not the case at all. Stamkos recently spoke with Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet and slammed the door on the rumors.

While he's undergone some major injuries in his career. the two-time Stanley Cup champion is as hungry as ever to play hockey:

No, not even close. Never, never ever have I thought about retiring

Last season Stamkos recorded 34 points in 38 games and is looking to improve his game and get back to the Stanley Cup Final. The Lightning have a huge target on their back as they won the Cup in the Bubble and then proved all the doubters wrong last season.

The Lightning have been turned over slightly when it comes to their roster, as Barclay Goodrow, Blake Coleman and Yanni Gourde have all moved on. Look for the addition of Corey Perry to have a huge impact on the team as Stamkos called Perry Montreal's best player in their playoff matchup.

As for Stamkos, he's looking to lead the Lightning back to the promise land, this season and for the foreseeable future.