contract with the Nashville Predatorsin free agency, according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.
Thank you Tampa ❤️❤️<br>I don't have the words yet ….. I will soon .<br><br>It's still too early to process. Just wanted everyone to know how thankful we are for 16 years as a bolt. <br><br>My family and I are excited for the next chapter….
Stamkos previously expressed frustration that the Lightning had not begun contract negotiations before the 2023-24 season, per NHL.com's Corey Long.
Stamkos' agent told TSN's Pierre LeBrun on June 28 that Stamkos planned to hit free agency on July 1. Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois confirmed the news the following day, per NHL.com's Amalie Benjamin.
Unlike in 2016, when the Lightning signed Stamkos to a long-term deal two days before free agency, the parties were not able to compromise before he hit the open market.
Stamkos will now join the Predators after recording 40 goals and 41 assists in 79 games last season.
The campaign marked his sixth point-per-game season in seven years, as well as the seventh 40-goal season of his career.
Stamkos' previous eight-year, $68 million deal with the Lightning expired following the team's five-game elimination by the Florida Panthers in the first round of the 2024 playoffs. The Lightning captain led his team with five goals in five games during the first-round series.
The 34-year-old sharpshooter is sure to be a huge boost to Nashville's offense.
Although his jersey will certainly be retired someday by the Lightning, Stamkos could become part of another franchise's history by helping lead Nashvilleon a playoff run in 2025.
