Don’t miss the special broadcast on the opening of the free agent market on Monday starting at 11 a.m. on RDS, RDS Info and RDS.ca.
Table of signatures
The Nashville Predators released their checkbook when the free agent market opened on Monday.
Steven Stamkos signed a four-year deal worth $8 million annually.
He joins Jonathan Marchessault, who signed a five-year deal worth an annual average of $5.5 million in Nashville.
At 33, Marchessault was an unrestricted free agent for the first time since the start of his career.
Brady Skjei signed a seven-year, $49 million deal.
He will pocket an annual salary of seven million dollars.
After leading the Golden Knights to the first Stanley Cup in their history in 2023 with 25 points in 22 games, Marchessault increased his offensive production with 42 goals this season, a career high.
After less-than-glorious stints in Columbus and Tampa Bay, Marchessault showed some good things during his lone season in Florida before being selected by Vegas in the expansion draft. He has earned $6 million per year over the last six campaigns.
Stamkos was granted full autonomy for the first time in his career after he and the Lightning failed to reach an agreement on a new contract.
The past few days have been emotional for the former Bolts captain.
“It’s a roller coaster of emotions right now. I’ve had some memorable moments with my family in Tampa,” he said in an interview with our colleagues at TSN. We wanted to sort something out with them, but it didn’t work out.”
“This morning when I woke up I knew I was going to sign with a new team, it’s exciting for my family and me.”
In 2016, Stamkos agreed to an eight-year, $68 million contract on June 29 to avoid hitting the free agent market.
Despite his 34 years, Stamkos was productive last season with 40 goals and 81 points in 79 games. It was the seventh season of 40 or more goals in his career.
“There are a multitude of factors in choosing Nashville. Mainly, the team is ready to win. They are proving that with the signings they made today. Yes, the amount is significant, but the fit with Nashville seemed to be the best,” Stamkos explained.
A veteran of 16 seasons and 1,082 games in the NHL, Stamkos won two Stanley Cups and was the very first pick in the 2008 draft. He has 101 points in 128 playoff games.
He had 555 goals and 1,137 points in the Bettman League, along with 214 power-play goals. He leads Lightning history in all those categories.
On Skjei’s side, he joins a well-balanced defensive brigade with Roman Josi. The 30-year-old American, known for his versatility, collected a career high last season with 47 points in 80 games.
He was a first round pick (28th) by the New York Rangers in 2012.
Wedgewood will fill the reserve position
The Predators have agreed to a two-year deal with goaltender Scott Wedgewood.
He will be the backup goalie to Juuse Saros – who extended his contract for eight years with Nashville a few weeks ago.
Wedgewood was Jake Oettinger’s backup with the Dallas Stars last season, playing 32 games while Oettinger was sidelined with a lower-body injury.
The 31-year-old American finished the season with a 16-7-5 record, while maintaining a 2.85 goals-against average and a .899 save percentage.
