Stamkos Signs 4-Year Contract with Predators after Leaving Lightning Nashville, TN – In a stunning move, free agent forward Steven Stamkos has signed a four-year contract worth $24 million with the Nashville Predators. The deal was announced by Predators General Manager David Poile on Monday. Stamkos departed the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he had spent his entire 14-season NHL career, after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract. The 32-year-old veteran is a two-time Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy winner and has been named an NHL All-Star 10 times. “Steven is a world-class player who will add an immediate impact to our team,” said Poile. “His experience, leadership, and goal-scoring prowess will be invaluable assets to the Predators.” Stamkos expressed excitement about joining the Predators franchise. “Nashville has a passionate fan base and a team that is ready to compete for the Stanley Cup,” he said. “I’m looking forward to contributing to the team’s success.” The signing of Stamkos marks a significant acquisition for the Predators, who have been seeking to bolster their offense. The Predators finished 22nd in the NHL in goals scored during the regular season last year and were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Stamkos’ departure is a major loss for the Lightning, who have relied heavily on his scoring prowess. He has led the team in goals seven times and is the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. The Predators are scheduled to open their season on October 11 against the San Jose Sharks. Stamkos is expected to make his debut in a Predators uniform that night.Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault Join Nashville PredatorsSteven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault Join Nashville Predators Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, former Stanley Cup champions, have signed with the Nashville Predators, as reported by TSN on Monday. Stamkos, 34, inked a four-year contract with a reported average annual value of $8 million. Since the 2008 NHL Draft when he was selected as the No. 1 overall pick, Stamkos has played 16 seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning, accruing 1,137 points (555 goals, 582 assists) in 1,082 games. He led the Lightning to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021 and won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy for most goals in a season twice (2009-10 and 2011-12). Marchessault, 34, also signed a deal with the Predators. A former member of the Vegas Golden Knights, he played a significant role in their Stanley Cup victory in 2022-23. In his career, Marchessault has recorded 487 points (230 goals, 257 assists) in 638 regular-season games. Stamkos and Marchessault expressed excitement about joining the Predators, citing the team’s strong interest in acquiring them and the opportunity to contribute to the team’s success. Both players emphasized their desire to win more games and compete for championships.Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos has signed a four-year, $36 million contract with the Nashville Predators, the team announced on Wednesday. Stamkos, 32, spent the first 12 seasons of his NHL career with the Lightning, where he led the team to two Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2022. He is the Lightning’s all-time leading scorer with 470 goals and 968 points in 907 games. “I want to thank the Lightning organization and the Tampa Bay community for everything over the last 12 years,” Stamkos said in a statement. “It’s been an incredible journey, and I will cherish the memories forever. I’m excited for this new chapter in my career with the Predators.” Predators general manager David Poile said the team is thrilled to add Stamkos to its roster. “Steven Stamkos is a world-class player who has consistently been one of the NHL’s most dangerous scorers,” Poile said. “He’s a leader on and off the ice, and we’re confident he will be a key part of our success in the years to come.” Stamkos is expected to make his Predators debut on October 13th when Nashville hosts the Chicago Blackhawks.