Top 30 athletes under 30-years-old

5 of 31

Jun 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) skates with the puck against Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith (2) in the second period in game two of the 2015 Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

27. Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning – 25 years old

After taking a backseat to guys like Kane and Toews among the NHL’s best, young players, Steven Stamkos has illuminated himself as a star in the league.

In his rookie year, Stamkos put up 46 points with 23 goals and 23 assists. He finished ninth in the voting for Rookie of the Year. That very next year he led the league with 51 goals on 297 shots, and he tacked on 44 assists to go along with it. Oh, and let’s not forget that he led the league with 24 goals on power plays.

During the next two seasons, Stamkos tallied 188 points — remarkable. That included another league-leading number of goals with 60 in the 2011-12 season. Of those 60 goals, 48 of them were even strength — another category in which Stamkos led the NHL.

He’s a staple in the Lightning’s offensive attack and arguably the best center in the entire NHL. Tampa Bay reached the Stanley Cup Finals last season for the first time since it won the cup in 2004.

Unfortunately for the Lightning, the Chicago Blackhawks were ready and waiting to win the series in six games. Regardless it was still an incredible year for the Stamkos and the Bolts.

The lockout in 2012 threw a wrench into Stamkos’ groove, but it shouldn’t be doubted that he’ll return to the 90-point form he had when his career began. He’s only 25 years old. Stamkos is still getting better.

He is the real deal, ladies and gentlemen. And as long as he’s around, the Lightning will be a force to be reckoned with.

Next: No. 26 Alex Morgan