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“Would almost feel spiteful” - TSN analyst opines on Steven Stamkos’ decision to not join Tampa Bay Lightning division rivals
Former Tampa Bay Lightning Steven Stamkos shocked the hockey world by passing on the Lightning and inking a four-year deal with the Nashville Predators. The former Bolts captain reportedly received numerous offers from various teams.
However, Steven Stamkos settled on the Preds, given the team’s growing potential as a playoff contender. The idea was echoed during an episode of TSN Overdrive, where the panel discussed Stamkos’ decision to sign in Nashville.
Host Brian Hayes made an interesting reflection on why Stamkos chose the Predators and not another team within the Atlantic Division. Per Hayes:
“This feels like a pure break because he’s going to Nashville. If he signed in Florida or with the Leafs or something, it would almost feel spiteful, like they pushed me out.”
However, beyond seeming resentful about leaving Tampa, Stamkos signed with the team that wanted him the most. Co-host Dave Feschuk made the following point regarding Stamkos’ desire to sign in Nashville:
“They showed interest in me in a way that, hint hint, nudge nudge, the Tampa Bay Lightning did not.”
The comments underscore the concerted effort Nashville GM Barry Trotz made to bring in Steven Stamkos. The Predators also added Jonathan Marchessault and defenseman Brady Skjei on an eventful opening day of free agency this offseason.
Steven Stamkos high on Barry Trotz’s list
Trotz joined the Overdrive panel to discuss various offseason issues. Among them, Stamkos’ signing came to the forefront. When asked about his rationale for signing Stamkos, Trotz said:
“I’ve had relationships with Stammer in the past with the Worlds a couple of times earlier in his career and later in his career at the World Cup of Hockey. We knew each other a little bit.”
However, Trotz’s decision went beyond a mere relationship. It was based on mutual respect:
“You gain such great respect for the guys you compete against all the time. I think he saw what we were doing in Nashville, how we treated people, the city, all the things that we had to offer.”
There was another key factor influencing Steven Stamkos’ decision to move to Nashville, though. Trotz explained:
“You’re looking at guys like Roman Josi and Filip Forsberg and us re-signing Juuse Saros. There are some good players. Having a real deep pool of kids coming for the future, it made a lot of sense for Stammer to make the move to Nashville.”
With the core in place, the Nashville Predators look like one of the most dangerous teams in the Western Conference. The club should be in the mix for one of the top-three spots in the Central Division. They look like one of the early favorites to make a deep postseason run next year.
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