Tampa Bay Lightning update: Steven Stamkos, Predators Predicted to Outperform Lightning.

The Nashville Predators made some of the most thrilling offseason signings in the NHL, but there’s no disputing the most exciting signing was Stanley Cup-winner and future Hall of Fame forward Steven Stamkos.

The former Tampa Bay Lightning captain is aiming to bring that championship legacy to a Predators squad hungry to challenge the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference.

With Stamkos on board, the Predators jump from a playoff team to a no-doubt Stanley Cup contender. The squad collected 110 points previous season, and now they have a six-time 40+ goal scorer is joining their top-six.

When looking at the moves they made this summer, TSN Hockey expert and former NHL player Frankie Corrado thinks they are set up for success in 2024-2025. When asked on TSN Sports center which of Stamkos’ teams will do better this upcoming season, Corrado didn’t hesitate in choosing the Predators.

“The Nashville Predators had a better season than the Tampa Bay Lightning did last year,” he remarked. “And they’ve added more pieces around this group.”

In addition to Stamkos, the Predators also added forward Jonathan Marchessault and defenseman Brady Skjei and secured goalkeeper Juuse Saros to an eight-year agreement this summer.

Each move would be a step in the right way for a competitive team, but the Predators were able to make four moves to bolster their team. Which, as Corrado also points out, was already an efficient defensive club.

“Now, if that team can continue to play stingy defensively,” he continued. “Adding offensive weapons around them, I like the chances of the Nashville Predators to be a better team than the Tampa Bay Lightning this year.”

Stamkos is obviously hoping Corrado’s forecast comes to pass. The championship window in Nashville is a significant reason why he signed there and abandoned the only club he’d ever played with. Now the Predators have him, and they are set for a playoff run that is longer and deeper than the Lightning.