Inside Steven Stamkos’ emotional homecoming in Tampa — and how he’s authoring a new legacy in Nashville
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Greg Wyshynski, ESPN
TAMPA — Everywhere Steven Stamkos looked, there was another memory.
The Tampa waterfront where he and his teammates celebrated two Stanley Cup championships on jet skis and party boats. The arena ice where he tallied so many of his goals (555) and points (1,137) in 1,082 games, all of them the most in Tampa Bay Lightning history. The long concourse he’d walk down on countless gamedays, past a narrow concrete rink where his son Carter would practice slapshots like his dad’s. The Zamboni entrance where Carter would gleefully obsess over the ice resurfacing machines in his father’s arms.
“Most of my life has been here,” Stamkos said, glancing around a lounge inside Amalie Arena. “This is where it all began as an 18-year-old kid. Where I grew up from a boy to a man to a Stanley Cup champion. Where I became a husband and a father.”
It still felt like home, but now he was a visitor. Stamkos stepped on the ice for warmups on Monday in a No. 91 Nashville Predators jersey: His new team, the one that handed him a four-year free-agent contract after a very public, very contentious negotiation with the Lightning failed to produce a new deal.
After 16 seasons, Steven Stamkos is no longer a member of the Lightning; and for the first time in 16 seasons, the Lightning didn’t have Steven Stamkos as their star on and off the ice.
“Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning are going to be synonymous with each other until the end of time. He did everything we asked of him for many, many years,” coach Jon Cooper said.
That is, until the Lightning asked something of Stamkos that he refused to do: Sign a significantly discounted contract extension to give them salary-cap flexibility.
Entering the final year of an eight-year, $68 million contract in 2023-24, Stamkos indicated he wanted to extend that deal and finish his career with the Lightning. But at training camp last year, Stamkos told the media he was “disappointed” to not have engaged in meaningful contract talks with GM Julien BriseBois.
At the time, BriseBois said he also wanted Stamkos to retire with the Lightning and that they shared a mutual goal of winning another Stanley Cup. But he said there wouldn’t be a blank check for this star captain when the team had other roster considerations. “In order for us to [contend] in future years, we’re going to need to spend our cap dollars as wisely as possible,” the GM said.
Stamkos had 40 goals — his seventh season with 40-plus tallies — and 81 points in 79 games last season, a strong final argument to keep him around. What he didn’t have was a contract offer to his liking, with multiple reports stating that Tampa Bay had offered just $3 million annually to the 34-year-old star.
Even after BriseBois traded defenseman Mikhail Sergachev ($8.5 million average annual value) to Utah and forward Tanner Jeannot ($2.665 million AAV) to the Los Angeles Kings in the offseason, their offer to Stamkos didn’t increase ahead of free agency.
“You didn’t really know what’s going on. Stammer wasn’t talking about it. Obviously, the team’s not talking about it,” Lightning forward Nick Paul said. “So we were watching like everyone else and just kind of like, ‘Is it going to happen? Are they going to do it?’ And then things went the way they went.”
BriseBois told Stamkos’ agent they were letting him explore the free-agent market. “We have to see what’s best for the Lightning organization and Steven has to do what’s best for him, his career and his family,” he said.
What was best for the Lightning: Signing free-agent winger Jake Guentzel, four years younger than their captain, to a seven-year, $63 million contract to take Stamkos’ spot on the team’s top line with Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov.
What Stamkos had to do for him and his family: Inking a four-year deal with the Predators, ending his time with the only NHL team he’d known.
“It’s not for a lack of effort on my side to make things work out in Tampa, but it’s not fair to Nashville for me to sit here and say I really wanted to be in Tampa,” Stamkos told TSN at the time. “Everyone knows I did. It didn’t work out, and I’m just as thrilled to be joining the Nashville Predators, for a multitude of reasons.”
Monday was the awkward, heartfelt and somewhat cathartic reunion between a homegrown superstar going to his former home. It was a chance to celebrate a singular legacy in Tampa sports history. It was a moment for Steven Stamkos to turn the page on his past, as he struggles to forge a new legacy in Nashville.
“Breakups are hard. It’s the soap opera of sports. It’s why we watch it,” Cooper said. “It’s for moments like this. To see how the drama of life is going to unfold.”
AMID THE SEA of No. 91 jerseys mulling around Amalie Arena on Monday was a man in a vintage T-shirt that read “Seen Stamkos?”
That was the team’s marketing campaign leading up to his selection as first overall pick in the 2008 draft. There were shirts and bumper stickers and a lo-fi website that chronicled his accomplishments with the OHL Sarnia Sting and Canada’s junior national team.
The Lightning were in a weird place in 2008. They were four years removed from their first and only Stanley Cup win. They had franchise icons Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis highlighting an otherwise underwhelming roster. Oren Koules, most famous for producing the “Saw” films, and former NHL player Len Barrie purchased the team for what would be a tumultuous ownership run until Jeff Vinik purchased the Lightning in 2010.
After a 46-point rookie season as an 18-year-old center, Stamkos put together three straight 90-point seasons, scoring 51, 45, and 60 goals during that run. Gradually, reinforcements arrived: Defenseman Victor Hedman was the No. 2 overall pick in 2009; star winger Nikita Kucherov was a second-round pick in 2011; goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy was taken 19th overall in 2012; and Brayden Point was a third-round pick in 2014. Jon Cooper moved up from the AHL to become head coach in 2013.
“The first time I addressed the team, I remember seeing what I knew was going to be multiple Hall of Famers in that room — including our general manager at the time,” Cooper said, referencing former Lightning architect Steve Yzerman.
There are many reasons why the Lightning became perhaps the NHL’s greatest “non-traditional market” success story over the last two decades. There was Vinik’s incredible investment in the team and the area surrounding their downtown arena. There was a run of 10 playoff appearances in 11 seasons, including six trips to the conference finals, four trips to the Stanley Cup Final and two Cup wins.
“I know how amazing the fan base is here. To be able to grow up with them, and to see the transition of this whole market into such a hockey-crazed place … it wasn’t always that way,” Stamkos said. “But with the success the organization has had, it’s a pretty, pretty special place.”
Stamkos was the franchise player — the third best goal-scorer of his generation behind Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, and an undeniable draw.
“If people sit here and say, ‘What was the greatest thing about Steven Stamkos?’ it’s like, ‘You know what? You can take his goals and all those things he did on the ice, but he was an unbelievable ambassador for our team and for our league,'” Cooper said. “Those are the things that you just sit there and you marvel about.”
He wasn’t just the face on a billboard or the name on the back of a best-selling jersey. Stamkos was a part of the community. He partnered with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay early in his career, raising funds and awareness for the non-profit organization that supports families with sick children. When he married his wife Sandra, they asked for donations to Ronald McDonald House of Tampa and Canada in lieu of gifts.
On the ice, Stamkos had a quantifiable influence on the Lightning’s success. But behind the scenes, the Tampa Bay captain — taking the C from St. Louis in 2014 — was a leader and a remarkable influence on his teammates.
“He’s always one of the hardest working guys in practice. He sets the example,” said Hedman, who took over as captain when Stamkos left. “He knows when to talk and when to get on guys and get on us as a team. He was just really good at finding ways to push guys’ buttons to increase our chances of winning games. But he’s a genuinely nice guy that makes everyone feel welcome to the team that was new.”
When the Lightning acquired Paul from Ottawa in 2022, he also saw that side of Stamkos.
“Everything he did, he always did with the person in mind first,” he said. “It was obviously about the team, but it was how he managed the people and how he managed personalities and how he made you feel like he was always there for you first over everything.
“That’s a big deal when you have a captain that cares about everyone in the room, whether you’re a rookie or 10 years in, and you’re going through something, he’s there for you and he knows how to bring everyone together and play at their best.”
Analyst Brian Engblom, who has been a part of Lightning broadcasts since 2015, sees Stamkos as a towering presence in team history.
“I don’t know that there’s been anybody bigger than him. He’s been Mr. Everything here,” Engblom said. “The two Cups. Leadership. Impact in big situations on and off the ice. Personality in the room. He’s as big as it gets here in town.”
That established, Engblom wasn’t surprised to see Stamkos end up playing for a team other than the Lightning.
“I gave up thinking about stuff like that after Gretz got traded,” he said, in reference to the 1988 blockbuster that saw the Edmonton Oilers trade icon Wayne Gretzky to the Los Angeles Kings. “Gordie Howe left Detroit. Bryan Trottier left the Islanders. And now this.”
THE MEMORIES REMAINED for Steven Stamkos when he walked through the arena on Monday.
Everything else was different. “It’s a little weird going in through the other door,” he said of the visitors’ dressing room.
Engblom, a former NHL goaltender, said it can be disorienting for a player returning to his longtime home on another team.
“You’re on the wrong side of the ice. You’re going down the wrong hallway. Everything is backwards,” he said. “You don’t feel good. You know you’re in a familiar place but it’s like somebody turned it all upside down.”
It’s also disorienting to have friends all of a sudden become foes.
“It’s tough. Not just for the player coming back, but for the players that played with him,” Engblom said. “Victor Hedman and Stammer are blood brothers. It’s a tough game for him to go out and play.”
Hedman and Stamkos hung out last weekend at Hedman’s house, where Stamkos’ wife Sandra stayed for the game in a guest bedroom. (Their two sons remained back in Nashville for school.)
“We’ve been together for a very long time. We can still get on each other and try to push each other to be better,” Hedman said.
Does Hedman have a healthy text relationship with Stamkos?
“Healthy?” he responded, grinning.
OK, what about a frequent text relationship?
“Yeah, I mean, we are still friends and that’s never gonna change,” he said. “It’s been weird not having him around, but we know we’re just a phone call away or a text away. We’re there for each other whenever it’s needed.”
Stamkos had dinner with a large number of former teammates on Sunday night.
“It’s weird. I have dinner with some of the guys last night and it’s like I never left, right? That’s just the bond that you have. And then you get on the ice, there’s the competitive nature in both sides that comes out, so there’s not much chit-chat. Then you see each other right after the game and it’s like we were just back to last night,” he said. “So that’s the life of an athlete. It’s cliché that there’s no friends on the ice, and you’re obviously not looking to kill anyone out there, but you want to win just as bad as they want to win.”
When Stamkos skated out for warmups, Lightning fans had crowded the lower bowl around the visitors’ tunnel. They cheered him loudly. Many had signs in support of their former captain. Some protested management about not bringing him back, including one woman near the glass who prominently displayed a “My GM Sucks” shirt.
— BucciOT.Com (@Buccigross) October 28, 2024
Stamkos was in the starting lineup for Nashville on Monday night against the Lightning.
“It was weird to see him standing on the blue line, not in our jersey, for the anthem and that opening faceoff,” Cooper said. “But then all of a sudden it turns into a hockey game.”
Early in the game, Stamkos and Hedman skated back to chase a loose puck, awkwardly bumping into each other, neither really looking all that comfortable with their new roles as rivals. There was tension for the first few minutes of the game, as everyone anticipated the tribute video that loomed in the first period.
Around seven minutes into the game, the scoreboard lit up with photos of a young Stamkos in his hockey gear. Lightning fans rose to their feet as the tribute began: a two-minute montage of Stamkos’ journey, filled with highlights, clutch moments, his brotherhood with teammates and relationship with fans.
The electronic scoreboards around the rink lit up with his career stats, awards and accomplishments, along with the slogan “Forever 91” and thank you messages.
“I was thinking about how soft I’ve gone in my elder years. I just started welling up,” Cooper said as he watched the video. “How do you fit 16 years into a two-minute video? It almost doesn’t feel right. It was extremely well done. But in the end, it doesn’t matter how well you do it. You’ll never do it justice.”
At the conclusion of the video, the spotlights hit Stamkos, who skated from the Predators bench — where Nashville players were engrossed by the video tribute — to the middle of the rink, raising his stick to the fans as the arena projected his No. 91 on the ice, as has become tradition when former Lightning stars return to Tampa on new teams.
When play began again, Lightning fans loudly chanted “Ste-ven Stamkos” in honor of their former captain.
“I don’t think it’s goodbye. I think it’s more of a ‘thank you, see you later’ type of thing,” Stamkos said.
Stamkos helped the Predators hit the scoreboard in the second period after the Lightning built a 2-0 lead on goals by Brayden Point and Mitchell Chaffee in the first. The Tampa fans went from booing the announcement of the goal to cheering Stamkos’ name for having helped create it.
The cheers were a little more muted when Stamkos set up the tying goal by Gustav Nyquist just over eight minutes later, although many Lightning fans still cheered loudly when his name was announced. The only boos Stamkos received during the game came in overtime, when the Predators patiently controlled the puck rather than attacking offensively.
Overtime ended on a goal by Paul that was assisted by Guentzel, who matched Stamkos’ output with two assists of his own in the game. It was an emotional night for everyone. That undoubtedly included the player who ostensibly replaced Stamkos, too.
“Whenever a captain goes, it’s a big surprise,” Paul said. “But obviously these are changes that management is making because they think it’s the best thing for us to go and win the Stanley Cup. So we’ve got to trust in that.”
Both Cooper and Hedman said they were confident Guentzel understood the dynamics on Stamkos Night — and was OK with them.
“The one thing that I try to impart to him and everybody else is that is he’s not replacing Stamkos, because Stamkos created his own legacy here and Guentzel’s got seven years to create his own legacy,” Cooper said. “We weren’t necessarily looking for a right-handed shooter on the power play. We got a playmaking lefty winger that brings different attributes to the game. “So yeah, the next seven years are Jake Guentzel nights. Tonight is Steven Stamkos’ night.”
For the next four seasons, it’s Nashville that will witness Steven Stamkos nights, as he tries to forge a new legacy with a new team.
It hasn’t been easy for him or the Predators so far.
THE MOST SURPRISING ASPECT of Stamkos’ move to Nashville? His family has handled it much better than he has.
“I probably thought that the family transition was going to be more difficult than the hockey one, and it’s kind of been the opposite,” he said. “But I’d rather have it that way, where my wife and kids are making the transition and then I can figure it out myself.”
Children are adaptable. Stamkos said the “new normal” for Carter and Chase Stamkos is being part of the Nashville Predators family, despite their Tampa roots.
“The mascot came over to our new place the second day we were there and they flipped pretty quickly,” he said. “It’s funny how that works.”
The transition has been much rockier for Stamkos. His two assists against Tampa Bay tripled his point total on the season after nine games, having gone scoreless in his first four games of the season before a goal against Detroit on Oct. 19. His lack of production came during a rough start for the Predators, who were 3-5-1 in their first nine games — a .389 points percentage that ranked 28th in the NHL — despite heavy preseason hype.
Stamkos was one of three high-profile free agent signings for GM Barry Trotz. The Predators also added forward Jonathan Marchessault, a Conn Smythe winner for the Vegas Golden Knights, and Brady Skjei, a standout defenseman from the Carolina Hurricanes.
Predators center Ryan O’Reilly was in their skates two years ago when he was the big-ticket free agent signing in Nashville. Although the Predators made the playoffs in his first season, O’Reilly said finding chemistry between the imports and those already on the roster is tricky.
“It’s always a challenge, especially bringing three incredible players that are significant free agents,” he said. “It’s not just plugging them into some small roles. They have huge roles here and it takes time to get used to the system and what we’re doing here.”
That’s been especially true for Skjei, who went from a man-on-man defensive system under Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour to a more zone-oriented structure under Andrew Brunette in Nashville.
“Sometimes you catch yourself like, ‘Oh, we’re not doing man-on-man anymore,'” he said. “I mean, at the start, it’s definitely just a different system and you’ve got little habits from the old system that you’ve got to try to break quickly.”
Marchessault had six points in his first nine games in Nashville, and feels that adjustment time is over.
“New environment, new team, new linemates … there’s a period of adjustment. But we’re 10 games into the season, and it’s time for me to step up,” Marchessault said. “I came here not to change a whole lot. There’s a good base here. I wanted to jump into their boat and help them win.”
Stamkos said he’s putting significant pressure on himself to perform better. That’s something Hedman remembers seeing during their days together in Tampa.
“He was very hard on himself at times as well. Maybe too hard,” the defenseman said. “But he wants to be the best every single night, so he puts a lot of that pressure on himself.”
But more than what’s on the stat sheet, Stamkos is struggling with his second act. He was a 16-year veteran in Tampa, surrounded by close friends and wearing the captain’s C on his chest. Now he’s hit the reset button for all of that.
“It’s not only a new organization, but a new group of guys and you have to find your way a little bit. There’s some good days and some days where you’re still figuring things out,” Stamkos said. “I was [in Tampa] for so long. I was the guy everyone was coming up to with questions and concerns, and I’d have all the answers. Now I’m the guy asking the questions.”
Brunette acknowledged that it’s still quite early for everyone involved.
“We’re still in the period of getting to know him,” he said. “He works extremely hard in his craft. I’m really impressed with his work ethic and practice and what he’s brought every day. You can tell the leadership skills he has by just being there.”
Stamkos admits the transition from Bolt to Pred has been taxing on him mentally.
“There is a transitional period. I’m certainly working through that right now. Controlling the mental aspect isn’t something I’ve really ever had to worry about in terms of just being in that comfort zone — it was almost just like [feeling] that Zen all the time because of the chemistry you build with guys over numerous years,” Stamkos explained. “Now you start from scratch.”
New city, new challenges and a new legacy for Stamos to create. This week helped him move on from the emotions tied to Tampa — from the friends and memories he left behind to the lingering bitterness about his departure. But as much as Stamkos has his eyes on the future in Nashville, he admits he hasn’t turned the page on the Lightning.
“I don’t know when that moment comes. If it comes, if it doesn’t come,” he said. “When you’re in this place for so long and have those memories, I mean … I don’t think you can ever really completely turn the page. That’s probably the reality.
“I dunno. We’ll see. I’ll let you know if that day comes.”
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Chris Low
Go ahead and pinch yourself. We have actual college football in less than two weeks.
The 2025 season is almost upon us, and with it comes the second year of the 12-team College Football Playoff. New stars will emerge. Familiar faces are back for an encore, some wearing new uniforms.
We unveil ESPN’s 2025 preseason All-America team realizing there won’t be any debate about those players left off (yes, that is sarcasm). Only five players who were first-team selections on our 2024 postseason team made the cut: Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith, Florida center Jake Slaughter, Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Michigan place-kicker Dominic Zvada.
Clemson and Alabama lead the way with three first-team selections each, while Ohio State, Penn State, Notre Dame, Texas and Pittsburgh have two first-teamers each. Georgia has one first-team selection, but three second-team selections.
OFFENSE
Klubnik was one of the most improved players in the country last season. His next step is proving that he’s one the best players in the country. Coming off a season that saw him account for 43 touchdowns, Klubnik has all his top receivers back and enters his third year as the Tigers’ starter. Klubnik passed for 36 touchdowns a year ago and his ability to scramble for first downs makes him especially difficult to defend.
Second team: Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
Love is poised for an amazing season after rushing for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns — and not losing a fumble — in Notre Dame’s run to the national championship game this past season. Despite playing injured in the postseason, the 6-foot, 214-pound Love showed his mettle. He combines breakaway speed with the kind of toughness and tackle-breaking ability that separates the great running backs.
Second team: Kaytron Allen, Penn State
There’s no shortage of power and speed in Penn State’s running backs room. Singleton will team with Kaytron Allen to give the Nittany Lions the best one-two punch in the country. Singleton, a 6-foot, 224-pound senior, has started since his freshman season. He rushed for 1,099 yards this past year and averaged 6.4 yards per carry. He also caught 41 passes and accounted for 17 touchdowns (12 rushing, 5 receiving).
Second team: Makhi Hughes, Oregon
Smith returns as college football’s premier player and the one who strikes the most fear into opposing defensive coordinators’ hearts. The 6-3, 225-pound sophomore is a nightmarish matchup for defensive backs with his blend of size, strength and speed. He had 17 touchdown catches last year, including four in the Buckeyes’ first two playoff games, and averaged 17.5 yards per catch.
Second team: Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Williams joins Smith as the second true sophomore to earn first-team All-America honors. He had five touchdowns catches in his first four games last season at Alabama and returns as one of the most explosive players in the game. He should be even more consistent in Year 2. Williams averaged 18 yards per catch and tied for fourth nationally with five receptions of 50-plus yards.
Second team: Antonio Williams, Clemson
Stowers is still developing as a tight end after starting his career as a quarterback. The 6-4 redshirt senior has bulked up to 235 pounds and looks more like a receiver with the way he runs routes and gets open. It seems his best is yet to come, even after catching 49 passes for 638 yards and five touchdowns a year ago. His top game came in Vandy’s upset win over Alabama, when he pulled in six catches for a career-high 113 yards.
Second team: Max Klare, Ohio State
The NFL scouts love Fano, and there are a lot of reasons why. The 6-6, 302-pound junior has been a starter the past two seasons and has split time at left and right tackle. Fano earned a 93 overall grade last season by Pro Football Focus, which led all FBS tackles. He’s a devastating run blocker and didn’t allow a sack this past season after the opening week.
Second team: Francis Mauigoa, Miami
Ioane blossomed into one of the Big Ten’s best interior offensive linemen last year in his first full season as a starter. The redshirt junior has slimmed down to 330 pounds after playing closer to 350 this past season. With Ioane back, along with Singleton and Allen at running back, Penn State should have one of the top running games in college football.
Second team: Joe Brunner, Wisconsin
When Slaughter announced that he was returning for his senior season, it was huge news for the Gators’ offensive line and a huge boost for coach Billy Napier. The 6-4, 303-pound Slaughter makes life easier for quarterback DJ Lagway and is a steadying force for the offense. Slaughter played 800 snaps last season, and his experience, versatility and toughness will serve the Gators well in 2025.
Second team: Parker Brailsford, Alabama
After beginning his career at Kansas, Reed-Adams is back for his second season at Texas A&M after starting every game at right guard this past year. The Aggies should have one of the best offensive lines in the country, meaning he will have talented players on each side of him. The 6-5, 330-pound Reed-Adams is effective in the running game, and he also allowed just one sack last season.
Second team: Cayden Green, Missouri
One of the most physically imposing offensive linemen in college football, the 6-7, 366-pound Proctor enters his third season as Alabama’s left tackle. For such a huge man, he’s incredibly quick and mobile; he also played basketball and threw the shot put in high school. Proctor recorded 639 snaps and 54 knockdown blocks last season, earning second-team All-SEC honors from the coaches.
Second team: Kage Casey, Boise State
All-purpose: Desmond Reid, Pittsburgh
Is there anything Reid can’t do? He was an instant hit at Pitt this past season after transferring from Western Carolina and scored touchdowns three different ways (4 rushing, 5 receiving and 1 on a punt return). The 5-8, 175-pound Reid is a blur on the field. He averaged 154.9 all-purpose yards last year, the most among returning FBS players, and could get even more touches in 2025.
Second team: Isaac Brown, Louisville
DEFENSE
Stewart burst onto the scene this past season as one of the best freshmen in college football and immediately asserted himself as one of the most feared pass rushers in the SEC. The 6-5, 245-pound Stewart finished with 6.5 sacks to rank third among FBS true freshmen. He also forced three fumbles. With a year of experience in the SEC, Stewart should be even better, and more consistent, in 2025.
Second team: Colin Simmons, Texas
Woods has said he wants to be more consistent this season, and to that end, he has been diligent this offseason about getting in tip-top shape as he enters his third year on campus. The 6-3, 315-pound Woods has elite interior pass-rushing skills and played some on the outside as a freshman. He’s more suited to play tackle and finished with 8 ½ tackles for loss, including three sacks, this past season.
Second team: Christen Miller, Georgia
Overton is one of those rare players with the size (6-5, 285) to handle the hybrid bandit position, which is part defensive lineman and part edge rusher. Overton started his career at Texas A&M before transferring to Alabama. This will be his second season in Kane Wommack’s defense, and after recording 42 total tackles and a team-leading nine quarterback hurries a year ago, Overton is in line for a big senior campaign.
Second team: Rueben Bain, Miami
The bad news for Clemson fans is that this is likely Parker’s last season in orange. The good news is that this should be the best version of him. He’s a dominant 6-3, 265-pound pass rusher who is always making big plays. Parker forced a school-record six fumbles last season and has 16.5 sacks over his first two seasons. His production only went up this past season after battling through migraines early in the year.
Second team: Keldric Faulk, Auburn
From the time he arrived on the Forty Acres, Hill has been destined for stardom. Now in his third season, the 6-3, 235-pound Hill is one of the country’s most well-rounded linebackers. He tied for fourth among FBS linebackers last season with 16 ½ tackles for loss, and he also forced four fumbles. Whether he’s pressuring the quarterback or chasing down ball carriers, Hill is a big play waiting to happen on defense.
Second team: Deontae Lawson, Alabama
There’s stuffing the stat sheet on defense, and then there’s Louis. He was everywhere for the Panthers last season with 101 total tackles, including 15 ½ for loss, and had four interceptions, returning one 59 yards for a touchdown in a win over Syracuse. He also forced a fumble and blocked a kick. Louis enters his redshirt junior season as one of the most disruptive defenders in the country.
Second team: Taurean York, Texas A&M
An outside linebacker in Illinois’ scheme, the 6-3, 275-pound Jacas has been a fixture on the Fighting Illini’s defense since his freshman season. He has 16 career sacks (eight last season), and with 13 tackles for loss a year ago, he is the second-leading returnee among Big Ten linebackers. Jacas is one of the most productive edge rushers in college football, but he makes game-changing plays no matter where he lines up.
Second team: CJ Allen, Georgia
Marcus Freeman continues to bring in promising young talent to the program, and Moore was a prime example this past season. He returns for his sophomore season as one of the top cornerbacks in the country. Moore was the FWAA Freshman Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, when he led the Irish with 11 pass breakups and finished with two interceptions and two forced fumbles.
Second team: Avieon Terrell, Clemson
The only question with McCoy is his health after he tore an ACL in January while training at home. The Vols hope to have him back for the start of the season in some capacity, but there’s no timetable at this point as he continues to recover. McCoy, who started his career at Oregon State, was the backbone of Tennessee’s secondary last season. He tied for the team lead with four interceptions, and the Vols allowed just 11 touchdown passes in 13 games.
Second team: Chandler Rivers, Duke
Downs came into college football as one of the top prospects in the country, played that way as a freshman at Alabama and took yet another step this past season after transferring to Ohio State and helping lead the Buckeyes to the national championship. The prototypical safety, Downs was third on Ohio State’s team last season with 81 tackles, 7 ½ of them for loss, and had two interceptions.
Second team: Koi Perich, Minnesota
Taaffe came to Texas as a walk-on and enters his redshirt senior season as one of the top defensive backs in the nation. Taaffe has played in 43 career games with 26 starts. He had 78 total tackles last season, including 5 ½ for loss, 2 interceptions and 10 pass breakups. Taaffe’s instincts and range are both outstanding. His 91.3 coverage grade led all safeties last season, according to Pro Football Focus.
Second team: KJ Bolden, Georgia
SPECIAL TEAMS
Zvada’s return for his senior season was a coup for Michigan’s special teams. He has a huge leg, and his ability to make long field goals is invaluable in close games. Zvada was 7-of-7 on attempts of 50 yards or longer a year ago and 21-of-22 overall. And he can make clutch kicks: See his 21-yarder in the final seconds of Michigan’s win at Ohio State last season.
Second team: Will Ferrin, BYU
Thorson is still working his way back from a left (nonkicking) knee injury in the SEC championship game last year. He was a finalist for the Ray Guy Award as the top punter in the country last season. Thorson is essentially an extension of Georgia’s defense, as 22 of his 42 punts were downed inside the 20-yard line and 14 more were fair catches.
Second team: Ryan Eckley, Michigan State
Brown is getting a reset at LSU after rolling up 3,273 all-purpose yards at Kentucky over the past three seasons. The Tigers want to get him as many touches in as many roles as possible. Brown is the Wildcats’ record holder for career kickoff return average (30.3 yards) and leads all active players with five kickoff returns for touchdowns, the most of any SEC player in history.
Second team: Kam Shanks, Arkansas
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Greg Wyshynski
When Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk raised the Stanley Cup over his head for the second straight season, the on-ice celebration included two of the most important people in his life: Father Keith Tkachuk, who played 18 seasons in the NHL; and brother Brady Tkachuk, captain of the Ottawa Senators.
Keith was smoking cigars and hoisting the Cup with Matthew around the arena. Brady was holding a beer and diligently avoiding contact with the Cup, as superstition dictates that an NHL player should never touch it if they’ve never won it before.
The celebration was another memorable moment for the Tkachuk boys and their father. This month, another one arrived: The trio graces the cover of EA Sports’ NHL 26 Deluxe Edition.
“Growing up, Matthew and I dreamed of playing just like our dad,” Brady Tkachuk said. “Even now, his influence on how we play and prepare remains huge. It’s an honor to be featured on the cover. Having him standing alongside us makes the whole thing even better.”
We spoke with Matthew and Brady Tkachuk recently about their video game history, the Panthers’ wild offseason, Brady’s future in Ottawa, Matthew’s health heading into next season and their thoughts on the new NHL collective bargaining agreement.
But first, we asked two of the first players named to the 2026 U.S. men’s Olympic ice hockey team about chasing gold. Responses were edited for length and clarity.
You guys became USA Hockey legends after the 4 Nations Face-Off, if you weren’t already. Obviously, the tournament did not end the way Americans wanted. Is winning Olympic gold in the 2026 Winter Games in Italy the ultimate revenge on our friends in Canada?
MATTHEW TKACHUK: I don’t even know if you look at it as revenge, but it’s been a long time coming since USA Hockey’s been at the top of the mountain. Canada’s owned the Olympics or World Cups or even the world championships, although we got that back a little bit this year. They’ve been the leader in all of that and the team that we’ve all been trying to knock off.
I don’t think it’d be as much as revenge than showing how far along USA Hockey has come. We’ve had some incredible players and national teams that we’ve looked up to our whole lives but that haven’t gotten the job done. So, not only would winning [gold] accomplish dreams for us, but hopefully it would bring a lot of satisfaction for those guys that paved the way for us.
Brady, you play in a Canadian city while trying to win Olympic gold for the Americans. What’s that dynamic like?
BRADY TKACHUK: Learning from experience, it’s a little bit of a different position to be in. All the people that support you on a day-to-day basis, now they don’t want you to win.
Your dream as kids is winning the Stanley Cup and winning a gold medal for your country. I know that’s always been our two main goals. But we got into hockey, and a lot of people got into hockey, from the 1980 Miracle on Ice. And now, we have an opportunity to pave the way for the next generation of kids in the U.S. that maybe wouldn’t be playing hockey if they didn’t get to experience USA Hockey in the Winter Olympics and potential gold medals.
There’s not just playing for ourselves in that locker room with that group, but you’re really playing for your country and you’re playing for the next generation of kids. And like Matthew said, you’re playing for the guys that have paved the way, that are to be so supportive and fired up to be watching.
You guys are NHL 26 cover athletes, along with your dad. We spoke to Keith recently, who reminisced about seeing the glow of a video game screen under the doors of your bedrooms, whether it was when you were younger or in Matt’s case, when he was playing in Calgary. What’s your brief history of playing video games together?
MATTHEW TKACHUK: Yeah, we would play. I think during COVID was probably the last time I religiously played, and that was when we were all under one roof before I had my house in St. Louis. Brady and I played a lot. NHL is definitely one of them. I think Brady has played more throughout his life than I have, and that was one of the things that he was much better at than I am. So, I didn’t really play too much against him.
We played the game like how you’d probably expect us to play: Turn off all the penalties, make all the guys really big and fast. It was like prison rules NHL. So, it was a lot of fun.
BRADY TKACHUK: I honestly feel like we had a pretty religious routine. Right after school, if it was a nice day, out for roller hockey then dinner and then we were playing NHL. We try to sneak in a best-of-seven if it was early enough, but it was a lot of fun. Either we played together or most of the time, we’re playing together against each other and it was a ton of fun.
Now that you’re in the NHL, what is the level of interest or concern among the boys when it comes to their EA Sports ratings? Do they still care?
MATTHEW TKACHUK: We don’t talk about it too much. I know that there’s one day, maybe it might be at the beginning of the year, which I guess is coming up here soon, where you go over your rating or you guess another player’s rating. I think where they get pissed off is when you guess their rating and it’s way lower than their actual rating is.
You’ve got to be careful with who the sensitive guys are on the team because you don’t want that to actually affect them — and you never know if it might. Hockey players are proud athletes. You want to have a decent rating.
BRADY TKACHUK: I’m probably one of the guys that will just play a game as the Sens to see where my rating is at, to see how good my guy is. This version is exciting because it’s more individual-based. You can see within the game how I am in real life, and that’s really cool and unique.
These ratings are always fun. And to be honest with you, I don’t know what the rating is going into this year’s game. I know they give a midyear bump and that’s the goal: That hopefully I get a midyear bump because that means I’m playing well.
Matthew, your name was recently listed by the White House as being part of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, joining names like Wayne Gretzky and Mariano Rivera. How did you get involved in that?
MATTHEW TKACHUK: I’m not actually allowed to comment on that until it’s official yet. So, I have to wait on that a little bit. But I promise in a few weeks, if that comes true, I’ll answer that for you.
Let’s talk about something that did come true: The Florida Panthers somehow hanging on to Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand as free agents. How shocked were you that GM Bill Zito was able to pull that off?
MATTHEW TKACHUK: I don’t know if I was shocked. I think at the time, as a player and more importantly as a friend, you’re more worried that one of your buddies is going to go elsewhere. At the end of the day, you want your teammates and your best buddies to be happy with whatever decision they make. So, if that’s chasing a ton of money or if that’s going to where they want to play, you just got to be happy for them.
The best part about those three is they all believe in what we’re doing in Florida. They want to live in Florida, they want to play on a good team, and they want to have a great group of players surrounding them.
Out of all of them, I was most confident in [Ekblad] staying the most. Just because he’s been a lifelong Florida Panther. I just think it was going to be impossible for him to leave. And then the other guys … I mean, this was a chance for them to cash in. You just didn’t know if it was going to be with us or not.
I was surprised, though, that they were all able to stay. I thought that with the way the money was tied up, you didn’t know if it was going to be possible — and somehow it was. Everybody was taken care of so well.
Bill did a great job of making sure it could happen. You want your best buddies to be rewarded with how great they played and how great they’ve been up to this point. I think they all got rewarded very well, and I’m just so excited to have a chance to hopefully run it back with them this year.
When did you know about Marchand? Was it when he was smoking cigars on the back of a golf cart outside of the Elbo Room? At some point, were you just convinced the guy liked it down there vs. leaving as a free agent?
MATTHEW TKACHUK: Marchand, when he first got traded, I would’ve thought there was never a chance that we’re going to be able to keep everybody. As time goes on and you have success and you get to know guys and you get to know what their wants and desires are with the rest of their career — or where they want to live — you can start connecting the dots. People just don’t want to leave Florida when they come. I think that that is the case with them and everybody that’s been there.
The only time you’re going to see guys leave is if it’s such a crazy difference with money. Some of these guys that we’ve had the last few years have really cashed in with other teams, which we’re so happy to see. I think that’s really the only way you’re going to see guys go elsewhere.
We have too good of a thing going right now, and everybody wants to be a part of it.
Brady, your dad threw cold water on all the speculation about you leaving Ottawa when we spoke recently. How much did making the playoffs, showing the progress of the Senators, give you a sense of relief that maybe some of that speculation might go by the wayside now?
BRADY TKACHUK: Yeah, I think we really needed to make the playoffs to show everybody that we’re a team that’s capable of that, but also capable of doing more than just making the playoffs.
The last couple of years, it was kind of stagnant. We had high expectations and we didn’t quite accomplish what we needed to. And with that came doubt. But I think it showed with the steps that we took last year that we have a great hockey team. I think that we’re kind of just getting started with what we want to accomplish. Playoffs are great to get to, but that’s not our end goal. The sky’s the limit for our group.
I think [that success] helped with all the speculation. When things aren’t going well, people are always assuming or trying to think in my shoes. But I was kind of never really in that thought process. It was all about sticking it out. It’s been a long time coming, for not just our team but the city, to get into the playoffs. And I think it was really important to me to end that drought.
Through all that adversity that we faced with being the bottom five teams to finally get to the playoffs was an amazing feeling. But now that we got there, I think everybody wants a little bit more and wants to accomplish all of our childhood dreams.
Obviously, the season is getting closer. Brady, we saw you were training with Trevor Zegras this summer. What are your thoughts about him getting a fresh start in Philadelphia with the Flyers?
BRADY TKACHUK: Yeah, I drove up to Connecticut and skated with him. I’ve known ‘Z’ throughout the years but got to know him pretty well when we played world championships together. He’s a great guy, and I think it’s going to be great for him to get a fresh start in Philly and under Rick Tocchet. They have a great culture there, and I think he’s just going to do a good job of fitting in.
I’ve always thought playing against Philly that they play super hard, but they have a lot of great players with skill. So, I think that is going to be the best thing for him. I’m excited to see his progression this year and see how the change affects him. I bet that’s going to be for the good.
Matthew, you were dealing with some significant injuries by the end of last season and said it was “50/50” regarding offseason surgery. What’s your path for the next few months? Are you still hoping to maybe hit the ice in October?
MATTHEW TKACHUK: I’m still hoping to hit the ice as soon as possible. If I do get the surgery, it definitely will be the first two, maybe three months [of the season] if that’s the case. But it’s still undecided at this point.
Finally, the NHL and NHLPA have signed off on a new collective bargaining agreement. We haven’t heard from many players about this deal. What did you like? What did you wish was in it that didn’t make the cut?
BRADY TKACHUK: I think Marty [Walsh], Ron Hainsey and the NHLPA did a really good job. A lot of it came behind the scenes with the NHL. They kept it discreet.
I think it’s important that we did a four-year deal and to navigate where our league is in four years’ time. Obviously, there’s things that will probably trend and want maybe more of in four years’ time. But I think the changes that they made are exciting. The 84-game schedule [means] more hockey for people to come and watch. I think it’s going to be good.
Less preseason crap, too.
MATTHEW TKACHUK: Took the words right out of my mouth.
That’s the one main thing I like. I’ve never liked the preseason setup. I mean, guys do a great job of coming into [camp] in shape. There are the captain’s skates before the preseason because everyone wants to get back and see the boys. So, I think preseason has been overrated. It’s way too long, and the games are way too much. However they were able to shorten that, I was on board with that for sure.
Just get into the season. Just get on with it.
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Greg Wyshynski
Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk said he remains undecided about getting surgery before the 2025-26 season but acknowledged he could miss significant time should he require it.
Tkachuk, 27, revealed after the season that he sustained a torn adductor muscle and a sports hernia injury while playing for Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off in February. He missed the final 25 games of the NHL regular season but returned for Game 1 of the Panthers’ first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Tkachuk had 23 points (8 goals, 15 assists) in 23 games during the playoffs, including seven points in the final against Edmonton, to lead the Panthers to their second straight Stanley Cup championship.
Coach Paul Maurice said his star forward was “a mess” healthwise heading into the postseason.
“We weren’t hopeful at the start that he would survive the first round,” he said.
Tkachuk said after the season that it was “50/50” whether he’d have surgery, adding that the offseason provided ample time to make that call. Tkachuk told ESPN on Friday that “I’m still hoping to hit the ice as soon as possible.” Should he decide to go under the knife, Tkachuk said, it’s likely he’ll miss multiple months of action.
“If I do get the surgery, it’ll definitely be the first two or maybe three months if that’s the case. But it’s still undecided at this point,” said the Panthers star, whose contract and cap hit could be placed on long-term injured reserve during his recovery.
It’s been a notable offseason for Tkachuk. He appears on the cover of EA Sports’ NHL 26 and is featured with brother Brady and father Keith on the cover of the game’s deluxe edition.
Matthew and Brady Tkachuk were among the first six players named to the 2026 U.S. men’s Olympic hockey roster for the Winter Games in Italy next year. Matthew Tkachuk also married fiancée Ellie Connell in July.
All of that was after another epic, multiday Stanley Cup celebration by the Panthers in Fort Lauderdale and Miami that featured spontaneous appearances at bars, clubs and beaches as well as a championship parade.
The Panthers’ chances for a third straight Stanley Cup received a boost this summer when GM Bill Zito was able to re-sign a trio of star veteran free agents: center Sam Bennett (8 years, $64 million), defenseman Aaron Ekblad (8 years, $48 million), and winger Brad Marchand (6 years, $31.5 million).
Tkachuk said that he wasn’t surprised that all three players wanted to remain with the Panthers but that he was amazed that Zito found a way to make the money work under the salary cap.
“I thought that the way the money was tied up, you didn’t know it was going to be possible, and somehow it was,” he said. “Everybody was taken care of so well, and Bill did a great job of making sure it could happen. I think they all got rewarded very well, and I’m just so excited to have a chance to hopefully run it back with them this year.”
Tkachuk said he was confident that Ekblad would return, having been a Panther since he was drafted by Florida first overall in 2014. He was a little less certain about Bennett and especially Marchand, who both had a chance to break the bank in free agency.
“When Marchand first got traded [at the deadline this spring], I would’ve thought there was never a chance that we were going to be able to keep everybody. But as time goes on and you have success and you get to know guys’ wants and desires for the rest of their career, you can start connecting the dots,” Tkachuk said. “People just don’t want to leave Florida when they come [here]. We have too good of a thing going right now, and everybody wants to be a part of it.”
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