The question was inevitable.
In advance of his first game in Toronto since choosing not to sign with his hometown Maple Leafs, Steven Stamkos - who instead agreed to an eight-year contract extension with the Tampa Bay Lightning this past offseason - addressed the decision and whether or not he carries any regret.
In a word, no.
"I made the decision to stay with the team that drafted me and brought me up as an 18-year-old kid. (Tampa's) my second home now. There's no regrets," he said Monday, per the Lightning's Twitter acount. "I'm looking forward to winning another game here on our road trip."
While acknowledging the irony of still having to talk about the possibility he could have signed with the Maple Leafs even after the decision is well in the past, Stamkos admitted the uncertainty that hung over him last season was tough to deal with, but he's happy to have remain settled with the Lightning and to approach the new season with no distractions.
Stamkos looks to add to his three goals and two assists in five games Tuesday, as his Lightning play the Maple Leafs in Toronto.
