Former Lightning star speaks out on $32 million Steven Stamkos' Predators free-agency move

Former Tampa Bay Lightning star St. Louis speaks out regarding his former teammate Steven Stamkos and his $32 million move to the Nashville Predators this summer.

Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis has been on similar grounds as Steven Stamkos, with St. Louis getting traded to the New York Rangers 10 years ago. He said to NHL senior writer Dan Rosen that he understands what the player is going through:

"Definitely different, but at the time very emotional, A lot of changes .... but still there's a lot of changes that come and uncertainties. But I look back at my career, and again I went into a really good situation, a really good team in New York."

St. Louis also mentioned the long career "Stammer" Stamkos had with the Lightning and how he would cherish this change in environment:

"It'd be nice to stay in the same place for that long, which he was fortunate to do. What was he, 16 years there? That's a long time. I think he's going to be happy that he experienced something else.."

Although there was a difference in how they were traded, St. Louis said both parties would feel the difficulties of a situation where a player leaves after spending years being the captain of the team.

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Steven Stamkos trade to the Nashville Predators

The former Lightning captain of 10 years left his club of 16 years on July 1 and joined the Nashville Predators on a contract worth $8 million per year.

The forward had a phenomenal season with Tampa Bay, having contributed to 87 points across the regular season and playoffs. Stamkos was being considered for an extension, but the player had to make one too many "concessions" to make the new contract work.

Nashville Predators have gotten Stamkos' signature from free agency and have him on a four-year contract worth $32 million, putting him up there with the highest earners in the Predators roster. With the price tag would come expectations of adapting to the change in environment and contributing at the highest level.

Despite having prolific goal scorers in Roman Josi and Filip Forsberg, the Predators have strengthened their attack to increase their chances of winning the Stanley Cup.