The Nashville Predators have re-signed former Tampa Bay Lightning Captain Steven Stamkos to a new four-year contract. Furthermore, the contract carries an average annual value of $8 million. At the time of this signing, Stamkos is the Lightning franchise leader in games played, goals, and points. It is a bit unfortunate he couldn’t stay in Tampa, as he wanted to retire in the city that drafted him first overall in 2008.
We'll see where it ends up officially, but word is Steven Stamkos' deal with the Predators should end up around four years and $8 million AAV per year
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2024
Steven Stamkos Lands New Contract With Nashville Predators
The Canadian forward is a Tampa Bay hockey icon, and now he’s on to Nashville for the next eight seasons. In 2024, Stamkos potted 40 goals and 41 assists for 81 points in 79 games. Moreover, the Captain notched five goals and an assist for six points in five Stanley Cup Playoff games. Throughout his tenure in Tampa Bay, Stamkos has 555 goals and 582 assists for 1,137 points in 1,082 games. In 128 career playoff games, he has 50 goals and 51 assists for 101 points. Stamkos led the Lightning to two Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021 with victories over the Dallas Stars and Montreal Canadiens. In addition, Stamkos has won the Rocket Richard Trophy twice as the leading goal-scorer in the National Hockey League.
How Stamkos Impacts the Predators Next Season
Lightning GM Julien BriseBois was not initiating contract talks until a series loss against the Florida Panthers, and maybe it cost them. At 34 years old, he still provides invaluable service on the power play. The sniper led the Lightning in 2023-24 with 19 power play tallies, and the Lightning ranked first in power play percentage last season. While Stamkos had a rough start to the season, his defensive game improved immensely by the end of the season. Additionally, Stamkos was electric in the playoffs, leading the Lightning in goals for the series.
However, along with this signing, the lingering question remains: is it time to tear the core down in Tampa Bay? After back-to-back first-round exits, should the Lightning start to sell pieces of the core to rebuild? With an extension awarded to Stamkos, Tampa Bay appears to remain in contending mode for the next few seasons. For now, fans and players are ecstatic to have Stamkos back with the team to finish his career.
Meanwhile, Predators General Manager Barry Trotz must be elated with this acquisition. The Predators have come out swinging here on free agency day, and adding Stamkos really boosts their forward group.
Main Photo: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
