Predators make the biggest splash

Nashville commits more than 100M in new salaries, adding Stamkos, Marchessault and Skjei

- STEPHEN WHYNO AND JOHN WAWROW

Steven Stamkos is headed to Nashville on a four-year, $32-million deal, after Tampa Bay opted to sign Jake Guentzel, who is four years younger, instead.

The Nashville Predators made a huge splash when free agency opened Monday, signing Stanley Cup champion forwards Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault in a series of moves that topped $100 million (U.S.) and made Smashville the centre of attention on a record-setting, billiondollar day across the NHL.

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

“By no means did I ever envision that a day like today would happen, but it did,” he said. “It was definitely abitter pill to swallow when it really started to materialize that it wasn’t going to work in Tampa.”

Stamkos turned to the Predators, made his decision and got a call from Marchessault asking if he was signing with them, too, which made him worried it was one or the other. “He said, ‘No Stammer, I’m coming, too,’ ” Stamkos said.

Marchessault got $27.5 million for the next five seasons, less than 13 months since earning playoff MVP honours in leading Vegas to its first championship. The two will have company: Defenceman Brady Skjei signed with Nashville for seven years and $49 million, and Scott Wedgewood came in at $3 million for two years to back up franchise goaltender Juuse Saros.