General manager Barry Trotz and the Nashville Predators rocked the hockey world on Monday, making a slew of major moves during a busy opening day of NHL free agency.
Veteran forwards Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault and defenseman Brady Skjei were the biggest – and most expensive – signings of the day, but Trotz didn’t stop there. He also agreed to terms with five other free agents, tendered qualifying offers to five pending RFAs and negotiated contract extensions with defenseman Alexandre Carrier and ace goaltender Juuse Saros.
By day’s end, Trotz had committed more than $140 million to new players and suggested that there may be more moves to come this summer as he looks to clear some cap space.
The moves signified the organization’s commitment to winning and rapidly accelerated their chase for a Stanley Cup. Here’s a look at all of the moves made by Trotz and the Predators in what could prove to be a watershed moment in franchise history:
Free-Agent Signings
- Steven Stamkos (F): 4 years, $32 million ($8 million AAV)
- Jonathan Marchessault (F): 5 years, $27.5 million ($5.5 AAV)
- Brady Skjei (F): 7 years, $49 million ($7 million AAV)
- Scott Wedgewood (G): 2 years, $3 million ($1.5 million AAV)
- Vinnie Hinostroza (F):Â 2 years (2-way), $775,000 at NHL level
- Jake Lucchini (F):Â 2 years (2-way), $775,000 at NHL level
- Nick Blankenburg (D):Â 2 years, $775,000 at NHL level (2-way in 2024-25, 1-way in 2025-26)
- Matt Murray (G):Â 1 year (2-way), $775,000 at NHL level
Contract Extensions
- Juuse Saros (G): 8 years, $61.92 million ($7.74 million AAV) beginning in 2025-26
- Alexandre Carrier (D): 3 years, $11.25 million ($3.75 million AAV)
Qualifying Offers
The Predators also extended qualifying offers to five pending restricted free agents:
- Marc Del Gaizo (D)
- Juuso Pärssinen (F)
- Spencer Stastney (D)
- Philip Tomasino (F)
- Adam Wilsby (D)
The Predators elected not to extend qualifying offers to forwards Jaret Anderson-Dolan, Liam Foudy and Wade Allison or goaltender Gustavs Grigals, all of whom will now become unrestricted free agents eligible to sign with any team.
Key Departures
The following players from the 2023-24 Predators roster signed contracts with new teams on Monday:
- Jason Zucker (F): Buffalo Sabres (1 year, $5 million)
- Kiefer Sherwood (F): Vancouver Canucks (2 years, $3 million)
- Anthony Beauvillier (F): Pittsburgh Penguins (1 year, $1.25 million)
Though they have yet to sign with new teams, defenseman Tyson Barrie and goaltender Kevin Lankinen also hit free agency today and are unlikely to return to Nashville.
