Predators Headline NHL’s Huge Free-Agency Spending Spree by Adding Stamkos, Marchessault

Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning reacts after scoring a goal during Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Colorado Avalanche in Tampa, Fla., on June 26, 2022. Phelan Ebenhack/AP Photo

The Nashville Predators made a huge splash when free agency opened Monday by signing Stanley Cup champion forwards Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault in a series of moves topping $100 million that made Smashville the center of attention on a record-setting, billion-dollar day across the NHL.

Stamkos, the very face of the Tampa Bay franchise, left the Lightning after 16 seasons, two Cup titles and two additional trips to the final to sign a four-year $32 million contract with Nashville.