Stamkos on St. Louis being named captain: 'Everyone knew the right choice'

Steven Stamkos drew heavy consideration for the Tampa Bay Lightning captaincy, but said if he had been chosen over Martin St. Louis, "I'd almost want to give it to him."

Everyone knew the right choice. You couldn't ask for a better guy to lead this team. Marty has been a guy I've looked up to since Day 1 and continue to to this day. Everyone who comes to this organization does the same thing.

Head coach Jon Cooper admitted to the Tampa Bay Times that the decision came down to going with the "front-runner," but that Stamkos' time will come.

It's been Marty's team for a little while. It's soon to be Stammer's team at some point and this is just a natural progression.

For his part, St. Louis said "To be able to do that is something I'll remember forever, not only for me but for my family. They've been asking me for a few months who is going to be the next captain. I'm happy I didn't disappoint them."