He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning with the 1st overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy in 2010 and 2012. Stamkos broke his tibia in a game against the Boston Bruins on November 11, 2013. His left skate hit the post of the Bruins' net before his right leg hit the post. He tried to stand up twice but fell down in pain. He was then stretchered out of the arena to applause from the crowd. He successfully had surgery on his right tibia in Boston on November 12, 2013. He was hoping to play for 2014 Canadian Olympic Hockey Team after being named to the team but was unable after a CT scan determined that he could not play.