Arguably the biggest fish of the free agent market is off the board early on Monday as Steven Stamkos has signed a four-year deal worth $32.0 million ($8.0M AAV) with Nashville after 16 successful seasons in Tampa Bay. The 34-year-old brings a full trophy collection to the Predators as he's a two-time Cup winner, two-time Rocket Richard Winner and a two-time all-star. In 79 games played in 2023-24, he had 40 goals and 81 points alongside 262 SOG.

Stamkos returns to the Lightning lineup after missing two games due to the lower-body injury. The perennial all-star will be looking to regain the elite form he flashed prior to the injury. Stamkos has registered two goals and two assists with eights shots on goal in just two games so far this season.

Stamkos will miss his second consecutive game as he tends to a lower-body injury. His status is day-to-day as the Lightning hope he can return soon after a torrid start to the season, recording four points (2G / 2A) in his first two games. He was replaced by Nick Paul on the top powerplay unit in his first game out of the lineup.

Stamkos missed the Lightning's previous game with a lower-body injury but will return to Tampa Bay's lineup Thursday. The 33-year-old has 27 goals, 39 assists, 208 SOG, 36 PIMs and a -4 plus/minus through 67 games this season prior to his injury.

Stamkos left with a lower-body injury in the second period and did not return. Head coach Jon Cooper did not have an update on Stamkos post-game but did say that he thinks he's going to be OK, and that he'll be evaluated on Sunday morning.

Stamkos missed Wednesday's practice and Thursday's morning skate for "body maintenance" according to the Lightning. Still, head coach Jon Cooper called Stamkos a game-time decision for Thursday's game vs. Calgary.

Stamkos was a late scratch from the lineup on Tuesday as he returned to Tampa to be with his wife for the birth of their baby. He'll be back in the lineup tonight as the Lightning go back to 12 forwards and six defensemen.

Stamkos' move to LTIR is retroactive to April 9th, which means that he will miss at least 10 games/24 days. 10 games will come first with Stamkos being eligible to return for May 1st in Detroit.

Stamkos will miss his third straight game on Thursday and will not be available for Saturday's rematch vs. the Panthers. His next chance to play will be Monday vs. the Hurricanes.

Stamkos was originally listed as questionable for Monday's game due to a minor lower-body injury but is good-to-go vs. the Panthers. Stamkos, who has 14 points (7G / 7A) in 11 games this season, will be back on the top line and top power-play unit.