“Know your self worth,” Ex-Lightning captain Steven Stamkos reveals REAL reason for signing with Predators amidst $8 million AAV storm

Steven Stamkos signs $8 million AAV contract for 4 years with Nashville Predators after testing free agency, the first time since the 2008 NHL Draft by the Lightning.

“Know your self worth,” Ex-Lightning captain Steven Stamkos reveals REAL reason for signing with Predators amidst $8 million AAV storm

Steven Stamkos (Image via Imago)

In a shocking turn of events, one of the NHL’s best goal-scorers of all time ended his career with the Tampa Bay Lighting after 40-goal seasons. Steven Stamkos, the ex-Lightning captain, put a closure on his Bolts career as he signed a 4-year $8 million AAV contract with the Nashville Predators.

Although there have been rumors and controversies over his re-signing with Tampa Bay, fans are shocked to learn the news. He’s been the heart of the team since he’s been drafted by them as No.1 overall in 2008.

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Not only did he captain the team in back-to-back Stanley Cup wins, but he also boosted the Bolts with three consecutive finals appearances. Over the weekend, it seemed like an extension would be extended to Stamkos by general manager Julien BriseBois, however, the terms were berated as per the forward’s statement.

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We wanted it to end and retire (with) the Tampa Bay Lightning. It certainly didn’t work out, but at the end of the day in order to look yourself in the mirror you have to just be honest with yourself. Know your self worth. Know what loyalty and respect means to you. And move on.
Steven Stamkos as per Rory Boylen of Sportsnet.

Stamkos added that he would’ve buried the hatchet and moved on with his Lightning jersey, but at the end of the day, things didn’t fit right in the box. He said that “maybe not everyone thought that way” and it was finally time to move on. 

Steven Stamkos excited to start new journey with Nashville Predators

One of the main key factors to the fiasco was Tampa Bay Lightning forward Jake Guentzel’s signing. The team favored signing a 7-year contract with the 29-year-old while extending an 8-year $24 million contract to Steven Stamkos. The amount was well below what Nashville Predators offered, and he liked “how accommodating they were” in their approach.

Steven Stamkos
Steven Stamkos ( Image via Marca )

While testing the free market, Nashville was one of the most favored teams by the veteran forward, “once we kind of got over that hump”. He added, 

...it just seemed like a natural fit and we’re so excited.
Steven Stamkos as per Rory Boylen of Sportsnet.

A new journey awaits Stamkos as he gets ready to set foot in Nashville for maybe his remaining NHL years. Lightning fans took over social media to thank and bid farewell to their longtime captain in heartwarming messages.

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