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Steven Stamkos knows what it takes to win the Stanley Cup.

The recently acquired forward for the Nashville Predators has achieved this feat not once, but twice, during their time with the Tampa Bay Lightning, in both 2020 and 2021. They expressed their belief that the Predators too have the potential to emerge victorious.

On Tuesday, during his media interaction at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Stamkos emphasized our team’s ultimate goal: winning a Stanley Cup. He acknowledged that expressing this ambition may raise expectations, but he firmly believes that one must have unwavering belief in their ability to achieve greatness in order to actually accomplish it.

On July 1, the Predators secured the services of a 34-year-old player with a lucrative four-year, $32 million contract ($8 million average annual value). This individual, who was also the first overall pick in the 2008 NHL Draft, boasts an impressive track record. Over 16 NHL seasons exclusively with the Lightning, he has accumulated 1,137 points (555 goals, 582 assists) in 1,082 games. Additionally, he has demonstrated his prowess in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, amassing 101 points (50 goals, 51 assists) in 128 games.

Last season, Stamkos amassed a total of 81 points (40 goals and 41 assists) in 79 games, along with six points (five goals and one assist) in five playoff games. Stamkos holds the esteemed position of being the all-time leader in Lightning history for points, goals, games played, power-play goals (214), game-winning goals (85), and overtime goals (13).

In their 25 seasons, the Predators have yet to secure a victory in the Cup. Their only chance at the Stanley Cup Final occurred in 2017, resulting in a defeat to the Pittsburgh Penguins after a six-game series.

During the previous season, the Nashville team achieved their longest-ever point streak in history, spanning 18 games (16 wins, 0 losses, and 2 ties) from February 17th to March 26th. This remarkable feat ultimately secured them the first wild card spot in the playoffs from the Western Conference. Unfortunately, their journey was cut short in the first round as they succumbed to a defeat against the Vancouver Canucks after six intense games.

Stamkos stated that upon observing Nashville’s team from the previous year, with their impressive streak and possibly some unfortunate setbacks in the playoffs preventing further progress, it is evident that the foundation for success was already in place.

When it comes to elite goaltending, defensemen, and forwards, this group ticks all the boxes. Moreover, the thrill of free agency has allowed us to acquire players who not only possess exceptional skills on the ice but also bring valuable character and experience of winning Stanley Cups or making deep playoff runs. You can never have enough of such individuals in the team. Our expectation is to not only make the playoffs but also make a strong push forward. This group has the potential to achieve that goal, and it’s a reasonable assessment.

Stamkos was one of a few key free agent acquisitions the Predators made this month. Forward Jonathan Marchessault, who won the Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023 as well as the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player of that postseason, signed a five-year, $27.5 million contract ($5.5 million AAV). Defenseman Brady Skjei, who has played 76 NHL playoff games, signed a seven-year, $49 million contract ($7 million AAV).

Nashville also signed goaltender Juuse Saros to an eight-year, $61.92 million contract ($7.74 million AAV) that will begin with the 2025-26 season and re-signed defenseman Alexandre Carrier to a three-year, $11.25 million contract ($3.75 million AAV).

Stamkos is confident that the Predators possess all the necessary elements to clinch the Stanley Cup victory.

Stamkos expressed his gratitude for having previously won a championship and acknowledged the immense effort required to reach that level of success, along with the valuable experience it brings. He also highlighted the addition of new players who share the same winning mentality, creating a contagious attitude within the team’s dressing room.

During our extensive conversation with ‘Trotzy’ (Predators GM Barry Trotz), we emphasized our eagerness to maximize our chances of winning. The team’s assertive approach in free agency clearly demonstrated this commitment. There is plenty for us to look forward to.

can u believe this is a real photo pic.twitter.com/ToQ5gtBvP4

— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) July 16, 2024