Good afternoon, Smashville! It’s go time!
The Predators swung big on the first day of free agency, signing three players nearly immediately. It looks like it’s “go big or go home” time in the 615.
Nashville locked up former Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steve Stamkos, 2023 Stanley Cup Champion Jonathan Marchessault, and former Ranger and Hurricane Brady Skjei to new contracts.
Stamkos has won the Stanley Cup twice with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He is also the winner of the 2022-2023 Mark Messier Leadership Award. Stamkos was awarded the Rocket Richard Trophy in 2010 and 2012.
Marchessault is the winner of the 2023 Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to the most valuable player in the Stanley Cup playoffs. He’s an “original misfit” from the very first days of the expansion Vegas Golden Knights.
Skjei scored 13 goals and added 34 assists in 80 games for the Hurricanes last season. He’s a physical, left-shot defenseman.
12:09 Central Update: Nashville has locked up goalie Scott Wedgewood to serve as Saros’s backup.
This post will be updated as further information becomes available. Look for detailed analysis from Bryan later in the week.