Predators win Stamkos sweepstakes with 4-year deal

The Nashville Predators signed longtime Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos to a four-year contract worth $8 million per season.

"When I became (general manager) of the Predators, I said many times that I was looking to add 'serial winners' to our franchise, and there is perhaps no one who fits that mold more than Steven Stamkos," executive Barry Trotz said in a statement.

"We're incredibly excited to sign a Hall of Fame player and person on what is now a massive day for the future of our organization. ... Steven is a proven winner and leader who will make us a better team on the ice with his production and in the locker room as someone for our younger players to learn from."

Stamkos spent 16 years with the Lightning after they drafted him first overall in 2008. He's the franchise's all-time leader in games played (1,082), goals (555), and points (1,137).

He hit the open market Monday after failing to reach an agreement with the Bolts. Tampa Bay cleared a ton of cap space at the draft over the weekend and wound up signing prized unrestricted free agent Jake Guentzel to a seven-year, $63-million deal with its newfound flexibility.

Stamkos posted a brief goodbye to Tampa Bay on X before his new deal was officially announced.

Stamkos captained the Lightning to a pair of Stanley Cups and won two Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophies as the league's top goal-scorer during his tenure in Tampa Bay. His 50 goals in 128 playoff games are the second-most in the organization's history, while his 101 points rank third.

The 34-year-old is still one of the league's premier snipers and bagged 40 goals and 81 points in 79 games in 2023-24.

The Predators reached the playoffs this past season but fell short in the first round against the Vancouver Canucks.

Nashville spent big Monday, also landing 2023 Conn Smythe winner Jonathan Marchessault and defenseman Brady Skjei.