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St. Louis to Lightning fans: ‘I’m sorry’

Tampa Bay Lighting v Toronto Maple Leafs

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 28: Martin St. Louis #26 of the Tampa Bay Lightning takes a face-off against the Toronto Maple Leafs during NHL action at the Air Canada Centre January 28, 2014 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Abelimages/Getty Images)

Abelimages

Martin St. Louis got what he wished for - a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning to the New York Rangers - but he left a lot of jilted fans in the process. The Bolts’ former captain left a letter behind to Lightning fans to say thanks ... and sorry.

“I respect the fact that many of you do not agree with my decision and are angry with it,” St. Louis wrote in the letter. “All I really can say is that I am sorry and I am very appreciative of the support you have shown me through the years.”

After 972 regular season games and 63 playoff contests that peaked with a Stanley Cup win, two scoring titles and a Hart Trophy, St. Louis left town in a captain-for-captain trade with Ryan Callahan. There won’t be much time between that decision and his debut, as he’ll make his first appearance with the Rangers against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night.

(He’s expected to slide into Callahan’s right wing spot at even strength and on the power play.)

Fox Sports’ Andrew Astleford tweeted the full letter from the 38-year-old:

The Rangers and Lightning won’t meet in the 2013-14 regular season, so the only way St. Louis will face the Bolts would be in a seven-game playoff series.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins