Predators sign Steven Stamkos to four-year, $8M AAV contract
Arguably, the greatest player in one franchise’s history is on the move.
On Monday, the Nashville Predators signed forward Steven Stamkos to a four-year contract. The deal will carry an $8 million cap hit through the 2027-28 season.
Sources say #preds have agreed to terms with Steven Stamkos: 4 years x $8 million.@DailyFaceoff
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 1, 2024TSN’s Pierre LeBrun was the first to break the news earlier in the day.
The signing is notable for a couple of reasons. Obviously, the Predators are receiving an active legend, but also the fact that Stamkos has spent the entirety of his 16-year career with the Tampa Bay Lightning. There was speculation that Lightning general manager Julien Briesbois would be able to sneak in a deal at the last minute, similar to what Steve Yzerman accomplished in 2016. However, the two sides were unable to come to an agreement this time around. That was confirmed by Stamkos minutes before the market opened at noon on Monday.
Thank you Tampa ❤️❤️
I don’t have the words yet ….. I will soon .
It’s still too early to process. Just wanted everyone to know how thankful we are for 16 years as a bolt.
My family and I are excited for the next chapter….
In 1,082 games, the 34-year-old has scored 555 goals and 582 assists for 1,137 points. Stamkos is the Lightning’s franchise leader in goals and points, and is just six assists behind current Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis for the most in team history.
The 2008 first-overall pick is still one of the most efficient scorers in the NHL. In 79 games during the 2023-24 campaign, Stamkos scored 40 goals and 84 points, marking the sixth time in his career he has hit the 40-goal plateau. The Markham, Ontario native has hit the 50-goal mark twice, accomplishing the feat in 2009-10 with 51, and notching 60 during the 2011-12 season, winning the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy in both seasons.
Of his many accomplishments, he won the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award in the 2022-23 season.
Certainly, the biggest accolade of Stamkos’ career is winning back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Lightning. Though he didn’t play much during the 2020 playoffs due to injury, he was influential in helping the team advance to the Finals in three straight seasons. In 128 playoff games, the former Sarnia Sting star has registered 50 goals and 51 assists, including 19 points during the 2022 postseason.