Report: Preds are front-runners to sign Steven Stamkos

Field Level Media|published: 07/01/2024, 12:02pm EDT

Apr 4, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) looks on during warm-up before the game against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports

The Nashville Predators are the front-runners to sign veteran forward Steven Stamkos, The Athletic reported Monday.

The longtime Tampa Bay Lightning captain is expected to land a deal in the four-year, $32 million range, per the report.

Stamkos, 34, just completed his 16th season with the Lightning, who drafted him No. 1 overall in 2008. The two-time Stanley Cup winner is the franchise's all-time leader in goals (555), points (1,137) and games played (1,082).

He contributed 81 points (40 goals, 41 assists) in 79 games during the 2023-24 campaign.

Stamkos is a seven-time All-Star who won the Maurice Richard Trophy as the NHL leader in goals scored in 2009-10 and 2011-12.

--Field Level Media