The Predators and star free agent forward Steven Stamkos are nearing an agreement on a four-year contract that will be worth $32MM, sources tell Pierre LeBrun of TSN. LeBrun also reports the Predators are close to finalizing a deal with 2023 Conn Smythe Trophy winner Jonathan Marchessault that would pay him around $27.5MM over five years. The respective cap hits would be $8MM for Stamkos and $5.5MM for Marchessault. Nashville keeps their roll going by signing defenseman Brady Skjei to a seven-year, $49MM contract, per LeBrun.
The Predators have become the team of the summer, adding three of the market’s top names in one fail swoop. Their group is headlined by Tampa Bay Lightning legend Stamkos, who’s decided on Nashville in the first trip to free agency of his career. Stamkos has accomplished everything he could have as a Lightning, holding the franchise record in games played, goals, and points – in addition to captaining the team to two Stanley Cups over his decade wearing the team’s ’C’.
Stamkos should immediately become the team’s top option at center next to Filip Forsberg, giving the Predators flexibility in moving Ryan O’Reilly down to the second unit. Not only will the former first-overall pick assist Nashville on their already above-average 3.24 GF/G during the 2023-24 regular season, but he will also help the team increase their 21.56% powerplay percentage.
Banking on repeat performances from the rest of the forward core — the Predators are poised to have one of the deadliest offenses in the league next season.
The former captain of the Lightning will not be the only 40-goal scorer Nashville will add to the lineup today. Marchessault was one of the many players to break out in Vegas’ first year of action, scoring 27 goals and 75 points – the latter still a career-high. But Marchessault’s goal-scoring upside held strong, since totaling 192 goals across 514 games with Vegas, including a career-high 42 goals this season. On a five-year contract, the Predators hope Marchessault can continue his recent work of averaging 55-70 points in a season while keeping up his status as a hard-nosed player.
General Manager Barry Trotz was not content with singularly upgrading the team’s offensive prowess as they added Skjei on a long-term contract. Skjei similarly found his stride after a move, emerging as a true top defender with 39, 38, and 47 points across the last three seasons. Skjei averaged nearly 22 minutes of ice time over that stretch while adding strong value to both special teams.
The only reason for skepticism on behalf of Skjei’s contract is how well he will operate outside the Carolina Hurricanes’ system. Nashville deploys a similar system as Carolina but does not bring the same pedigree as a possession-dominant team. Because of this, Skjei’s possession metrics increased dramatically since his time with the New York Rangers, and the Predators should be confident he can add value to the team in this department rather than revert to his previous numbers.
These moves go a long way towards boosting Nashville’s top end, as they find one of the best top-line additions to the market in Stamkos while rounding out their second lines with Marchessault and Skjei. With all three of these deals considered, the Predators still boast $5.846MM in cap space, with two holes on defense. Those could be filled by call-ups Spencer Stastney or Marc Del Gaizo, though, potentially giving Nashville just enough space for one more addition.
Trotzy being true to his word!
Apparently the Hans were 2nd for Marchessault. Apparently they wouldn’t go past a 3 yr deal. Hughes did say he woul try getting someone for a higher cap hit on shorter term deal. I get wanting to pay for the home team but Nashville is in a no state tax state so the players take home about 63% and about 50% in Canada. So for him to take home the same money per year the habs would have had to offer 7M per year. I think that would be an over pay but even tho 21/3 sounds way better then 27.5/5 it’s really not, it actually ends up being the same take home pay
Holy moly, Trotz is going all in! :0
@Gbear — Now let’s see if GMBT felt our vibes on Nick Robertson. So far, though, he really is surprising folks with his moves.
Don’t think NR will be necessary at this point!
@Gbear — But, they can’t have too many depth scorers. Like Paula Deen sort of says, “More butter is betterer!” (I paraphrased a little, there) :)
@Mac – Not saying I wouldn’t take NR, for as David Poile would never say, “you can never have enough offense”. :D
Preds did get older today. Need a few youngsters to grab some roles next season. If Stammer stays on the wing, they’ll need someone to step up and center that 2nd line.
Stamkos isn’t taking no discount as that total value makes his AAV $8m which is what his market value was projected around $7 to $8m.
Apparently, Nashville is also targeting Jonathan Marchessault as well. As Nashville looks like they’re in a win now mode.
Well they did sign Marchessault as well now.
These moves by Tampa look like someone from the analytics department was whispering into the GM’s ear. How else to explain prioritizing Guentzel over Stamkos?
Holy shit
That’s a great deal for marchessault!
Vegas just got kicked in the nuts
And Skjei?!?! :0
Gbear may pass out from all this plentiful bounty. :0
Man, this is some nice work
I think the Skjei signing signals no extension for Carrier
Well damn
This was inevitable once they got the Hawk Tuah girl on the roster.
Can you imagine what Filip Forsberg’s numbers are going to be next year considering he now actually has some other star type offense players to play with? A lock for 50-55 goals next year.
I looked back at the Nashville rosters since Forsberg’s first year. The best offensive guys he’s played with are defensemen! Jossi and Shea Weber. The next best guy would be Viktor Arvidsson
Forsberg’s been a great player for years. Glad he got some help up front.
Wow did the Preds have a day today! Definitely the winners of the day.