A page is turning, because after 16 seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning, forward Steven Stamkos has decided to continue his career with the Nashville Predators, who also acquired Quebecer Jonathan Marchessault.
TSN insider Pierre LeBrun reported Monday that Markham native Stamkos’ deal is expected to total about $32 million ($8 million per campaign) over four seasons. As for Marchessault, the Conn Smythe Trophy winner in 2022-23, he agreed to $5.5 million per campaign for five years.
Stamkos was drafted first overall in the 2009 National Hockey League (NHL) draft by the Bolts, and played his entire 1,082-game career with the Florida organization. He notably won two Stanley Cups with the Lightning, in addition to winning two Maurice Richard Trophies (2009 and 2012), awarded to the NHL’s top scorer.
He had five seasons of 40-plus goals and two others of 50-plus goals. He set a career high at that level when he lit the red light 60 times in 2011-12.
To return to Marchessault, he reached the plateau of 40 goals for the first time in his career. He threaded the needle 42 times in 80 games, adding 27 assists for 69 points. During the 2023 playoffs, he collected 25 points to lead the Knights to the cup.
Additionally, the Predators also acquired defenseman Brady Skjei, who signed a seven-year, $49 million contract. He spent the last five seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes. In the most recent campaign, he had 13 goals and 34 assists for 47 points in 80 games.
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