TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA/WKRN) — Tampa Bay’s loss is Nashville’s gain. The Lightning’s franchise star player and captain Steven Stamkos bid farewell to the Bolts Monday just as the NHL free agency began.
Stamkos, who became a free agent after spending 16 years with the Bolts, said it’s “still too early in the process” but he’s thankful for his time spent in Tampa Bay.
“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….” Stamkos wrote on social media.
His announcement comes after several reports stated Stamkos is headed to the Nashville Predators on a four-year contract worth $8 million per season.
“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,” TSN reporter Pierre LeBrun said.
The NHL Network also posted that it’s “Stammer time in Smashville!” seemingly confirming the deal.
While it’s been rumored that the Predators would make a splash in free agency by going after the 34-year-old forward after contract negotiations fizzled out with Tampa Bay, Nashville has not yet announced the deal.
Stamkos has been a huge force for the Lightning since he was drafted in 2008 and has the third most goals among active NHL players. During his time in Tampa, Stamkos scored 555 goals and had 582 assists in 1,082 games.
The former No. 1 overall pick also scored 40 goals for Tampa last season.
In 2023, Stamkos received the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award, which is presented “to the player who exemplifies great leadership qualities to his team, on and off the ice during the regular season and who plays a leading role in his community growing the game of hockey.”
The seven-time NHL All-Star also clinched back-to-back Stanley Cups with Tampa in 2020 and 2021 and was awarded the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy in 2010 and 2012.