Steven Stamkos is officially parting ways with the Tampa Bay Lightning after 16 seasons.

The longtime Lightning captain has agreed to join the Nashville Predators on a four-year, $8 million contract in free agency on Monday.

Stamkos, 34, remains one of the top goal-scorers in the NHL and is coming off his seventh 40-goal season. Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois confirmed Stamkos will test free agency.

The team signed Jake Guentzel to a seven-year, $63 million contract on June 30.

Stamkos departs the Lightning as a two-time Stanley Cup champion and with a long list of franchise records. Among them, he leads all Lightning players in goals (555), points (1,137) and games played (1,082).

In a surprising move, star forward Steven Stamkos has agreed to a four-year contract with the Nashville Predators. The deal, reportedly worth $40 million, comes after Stamkos became an unrestricted free agent following his tenure with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Stamkos, who has been one of the most prolific goal scorers in the NHL over the past decade, brings a wealth of experience and skill to the Predators lineup. With over 400 career goals and two Rocket Richard Trophies to his name, Stamkos is sure to bolster Nashville’s offense and provide much-needed scoring depth.

The Predators, who have been looking to add a top-tier forward to their roster, are thrilled to have secured Stamkos for the next four years. General Manager David Poile expressed his excitement about the signing, stating that Stamkos will be a key piece in the team’s quest for a Stanley Cup.

Stamkos himself is looking forward to joining the Predators and is eager to contribute to the team’s success. In a statement, he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play in Nashville and is excited about the potential for a deep playoff run.

Fans of the Predators are buzzing with excitement over the addition of Stamkos to their roster. With his scoring touch and leadership abilities, Stamkos is sure to make a significant impact on the team and help them compete at the highest level.

Overall, the signing of Steven Stamkos is a major coup for the Nashville Predators and sets the stage for an exciting season ahead. As one of the league’s premier goal scorers, Stamkos is poised to make a significant impact on his new team and help lead them to success in the coming years.