In the world of hockey, rumors are always swirling around the league. Nashville Predators star Filip Forsberg was not immune to these rumblings. He had heard whispers that Steven Stamkos, the beloved captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning, was unlikely to re-sign with his current team. Music City was being thrown around as a possible destination for the superstar forward.
Forsberg’s teammate, the veteran defenceman Luke Schenn, had insider knowledge on the situation. Schenn had just won back-to-back Stanley Cups with Stamkos in 2020 and 2021, so when he reached out to Forsberg at the start of NHL free agency on July 1, the news was monumental.
“(Schenn) texted me,” Forsberg recounted. “Just like, ‘Hey, Stammer’s coming.’ I’m like, ‘Oh, all right, awesome.'”
Excitement was in the air in Nashville as Predators general manager Barry Trotz made not one, but two big splashes in free agency, adding defenceman Brady Skjei and winger Jonathan Marchessault to the mix.
“Really good day for the franchise,” Forsberg remarked.
Stamkos, a true legend in the NHL, shocked the hockey world by signing a $32-million, four-year contract with the Predators. The forward, who was drafted No. 1 overall in 2008 by Tampa, had led the Lightning to three straight finals and two Stanley Cup victories. Stamkos was also a two-time winner of the Maurice (Rocket) Richard Trophy as the league’s top goal-scorer, boasting an impressive high-water mark of 60 goals in the 2011-12 season.
But Stamkos wasn’t the only big name on the move during the off-season. Brady Skjei and Jonathan Marchessault also found new homes, adding to the excitement of the summer.
As the dust settled and the new season approached, the NHL was abuzz with anticipation for what these roster changes would bring. Fans everywhere were eagerly awaiting the puck drop to see how these new acquisitions would impact their teams on the ice.
