Steven Stamkos has spent his entire 16-year NHL career with the Tampa Bay Lightning, and he has been their captain since 2014. He's led them to a pair of Stanley Cups while also being among the top players in hockey for more than a decade.
However, the center may not be returning to the Lightning, which swung a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes for forward Jake Guentzel on Sunday, perhaps to provide an offensive boost in case Tampa Bay can't re-sign the 34-year-old.
Nashville hasn't won a playoff series since 2018, despite making it to the postseason five of the six years since then. Stamkos' playoff experience could push the Preds over the top, which is why they'll pay big to land the two-time All-Star.
