Raptors Sign Steven Stamkos to 4-Year Deal – Hockey Writers – Animal Trade

The Nashville Predators have signed forward Steven Stamkos to a four-year, $32 million contract, according to Pierre LeBrun. After 16 seasons and nearly 1,100 games with the Tampa Bay Lightning, the legendary center is on the road for the first time in his career.

Stamkos Has Already Decorated The Career

Despite being 34 years old, Stamkos is still an amazing player. He’s no longer the 60-goal scorer we saw in his youth, but he still hits 40 regularly while his playmaking ability has taken a big step over the past decade. Over the course of 16 seasons with the Lightning, he scored 555 goals and dished out 582 assists for a total of 1,137 points in 1,082 games. His leadership skills are also important, as he has been the captain of the Lightning since the 2013-14 season and eventually helped them back to back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021.

During his time with Tampa Bay, Stamkos won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy for most goals in a season twice, participated in the All-Star Game seven times, and won the Mark Messier Leadership Award as well. There is no doubt that he will go down as a legend in the Nyazi organization even though things have ended between him and the team. Now, he will get a chance to show his skills in a new city and fan base.

Meet the Predators

The Predators were looking for a first-line center, and Stamkos fills that role. The seven-time 40-goal scorer will form an impressive one-two punch alongside 2019 Conn Smythe Award winner and 2023 free agent signing Ryan O’Reilly. With O’Reilly’s teammates Gustav Nyquist and Filip Forsberg sidelined, Stamkos’ teammates are still to be decided.

The most likely name to win the 2019 Conn Smythe Award is Jonathan Marchessault, who signed as a free agent in 2024. From there, his third partner could be Tommy Novak or small forwards like Luke Evangelista or Cody Glass. In two offseasons, general manager Barry Trotz has overhauled Nashville’s forward core.

Related: 2024 NHL Free Agency Tracker

It’s always risky to sign a player Stamkos’ age; however, he has shown time and time again that he can overcome the odds and perform at a high level no matter what is thrown his way. Now, he’ll have a chance to do so with the Predators.