Steven Stamkos makes honest Predators playoff assessment after being traded by Lightning

Tampa Bay Lightning's former captain Steven Stamkos signed with the Nashville Predators in free agency. During his first media interview on Tuesday, Stamkos sounded hopeful about the new season.

Stamkos signed a four-year, $32 million contract on July 1. After playing with the Lightning for 16 years, this was a big change for him. Talking about the Predators, Stamkos said (via Predators TV):

"You look at elite goaltending, you look at elite defensemen, you look at elite forwards, they've checked those boxes off ... The expectation will be to make the playoffs and go on a run. I think that's a pretty fair assessment of what this group can accomplish."

The Predators acquired a few players in free agency, including Roman Josi, Juuse Saros, Filip Forsberg and Jonathan Marchessault.

Stamkos' leadership will be valuable for the Predators. He won two Stanley Cups with the Lightning in 2020 and 2021, so he knows the hard work needed to win.

"I've been so fortunate to have won a championship before and know how hard it is to get there and the experience that comes along with that," Stamkos shared. "We've added some players that have done that as well and I think that's just a contagious attitude we can have in this dressing room. We have a lot to be excited about."

Drafted first overall in 2008, Stamkos's move to the Predators ends a great chapter with the Lightning. He was their captain since 2014.

The Predators are ready to build on their last season's regular season run. They qualified for the playoffs but lost to the Vancouver Canucks in the first round.

Steven Stamkos' emotional letter for Tampa Bay Lightning community

Steven Stamkos wrote an emotional letter to the Tampa Bay community on Monday through The Players' Tribune. He thanked the city and shared how Tampa became a second home for his parents, Chris and Lesley. Stamkos also wrote about being drafted first overall.

"I wanted to be the one who lived up to the hype, who took the organization where it dreamt to go. I remember those 'Seen Stamkos' billboards in 2008, and how much faith the Lightning put in me, and I hope I repaid it." Stamkos wrote. "I wish this last season had ended differently, but I’ll remember those good times for as long as I live."

Stamkos will wear the Nashville Predators #91 jersey starting next season.