July 1, 2024, 12:13 PM
Steven Stamkos is officially parting ways with the Tampa Bay Lightning after 16 seasons.
The long-time Lightning captain has agreed to join the Nashville Predators on a four-year, $8-million contract in free agency on Monday.
Stamkos, 34, remains one of the top goal-scorers in the NHL and is coming off his seventh 40-goal season. Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois confirmed Stamkos will test free agency.
The team signed Jake Guentzel to a seven-year, $63-million contract on June 30.
Stamkos departs the Lightning as a two-time Stanley Cup champion and with a long list of franchise records. Among them, he leads all Lightning players in goals (555), points (1,137) and games played (1,082).