Steven Stamkos signs a $101.4 million contract with the Predators after leaving the Lightning… Details
NASHVILLE — The Nashville Predators made an aggressive push Monday to try to compete for the Stanley Cup, adding forwards Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, defenseman Brady Skjei and goaltender Scott Wedgewood on the first day of NHL free agency.
After the Predators (47-30-5) finished as the first wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Western Conference last season and lost in six games to the Vancouver Canucks in the first round, they believe they have brought in significant scoring.
“It’s huge because it’s a statement, I think, for the rest of the League that these players will come to Nashville,” general manager Barry Trotz said. “These players see what we’re doing with our franchise. We have lots to offer, and we’re very determined to win. We’re committed to that. That’s what players want.”
Stamkos, 34, signed a four-year, $32 million contract ($8 million average annual value) with the Predators. The No. 1 pick in the 2008 NHL Draft, he has 1,137 points (555 goals, 582 assists) in 1,082 games over 16 seasons, all with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He has 101 points (50 goals, 51 assists) in 128 playoff games.
Stamkos had 81 points (40 goals, 41 assists) in 79 games last season and six points (five goals, one assist) in five playoff games. He ranks first in team history in points, goals, games, power-play goals (214), game-winning goals (85) and overtime goals (13).
The forward won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy for most goals in a season twice (51 in 2009-10, and 60 in 2011-12) and helped the Lightning to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021.
