Seven-Time All-Star Center Signs with the Predators

On July 1st, long-time Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos entered free agency for the first time in his career after recording his seventh 40-goal season in his 16th season with the Lightning last season. Despite an early playoff exit last season for the Lightning in the first round to the Florida Panthers, Stamkos was nothing short of being productive, as the seven-time All-Star recorded five goals and one assist in their series against the Panthers. With Stamkos being the most coveted free agent center on the market, the veteran center was bound to cash in on yet another productive season in the NHL. Now, the Nashville Predators have signed Stamkos to a four-year deal for $32 million. 

The 34-year-old center started his NHL career after being drafted with the first overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Lightning. Stamkos was widely seen as the best overall center in the draft after scoring 100 goals, 97 assists, and 197 points in two seasons with the Sarnia Sting in the Ontario Hockey League. Since coming into the NHL, Stamkos wasted no time becoming a vital piece within the Lightning’s starting lineup as he recorded 179 goals in his first four seasons in Tampa Bay. With the Lightning, Stamkos would win back-to-back Stanley Cups in the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Over the course of his 16-year career, Stamkos has demonstrated his goal-scoring abilities and being able to put pressure on opposing defenses. In his career, Stamkos has tallied 555 goals, 582 assists, 1,137 points, and 214 powerplay goals.

As the Predators enter the 2024-25 season, the addition of Stamkos to their roster will provide them with a game-changing center that has a track record of having an instant impact on their team’s success. Despite having a ton of mileage under his tire, as Stamkos has played in more than 1,000 games, the savvy veteran has shown no sign of slowing down after finishing with his third straight season of 30 or more goals. An important piece within Stamkos’ long-term durability has been the ability to remain healthy compared to most NHL players, as he has played in 79 games or more in a single season in 11 of his 16 professional seasons. With the addition of Stamkos and other important free-agent signings, the Predators have the pieces to make a deep playoff run next season.