Steven Stamkos is leaving the Tampa Bay Lightning and will be signing with a new team in NHL free agency on Monday.
Steven Stamkos has reportedly signed a new contract with the Nashville Predators.
Despite weeks of trying to work out a deal, Stamkos and the Lightning couldn't come to an agreement. Tampa Bay did create some extra cap space this summer but chose to go in a different direction, signing Jake Guentzel to a long-term deal.
Jake Guentzel, signed 7x$9M by TB, is a high-end scoring winger who uses superb hockey IQ to create space and get pucks to high-danger areas by shooting or passing. Poor D metrics through his career, but manages the puck well. Finishing hasn't been special lately.
The Lightning offered Stamkos around $3 million annually, which wasn't enough to keep him. The 34 year-old had 40 goals and 81 points in 79 games last season and added six points in five Stanley Cup Playoff games. He's not showing any signs of slowing down and will be effective in his new home.
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