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NHL free agency: Steven Stamkos 'thankful' for time with Lightning as he reportedly joins Predators

Steven Stamkos is signing a four-year, $32 million contract to join the Nashville Predators, according to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.

The 34-year-old Stamkos had been with the Tampa Bay Lightning since the franchise selected him with the No. 1 overall pick at the 2008 NHL Draft.

A lack of contract extension talks between Stamkos and Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois during the regular season was a sign that a return to Tampa wasn't guaranteed. After last-ditch discussions over the past weeks failed to get anywhere, Stamkos' agent said the Lightning legend was "going to July 1" to test the free agent market.