The Tampa Bay Lightning parted ways with Steven Stamkos on Monday and swiftly followed up the next day by signing Victor Hedman, signaling a bold start to their offseason.
Monday marked a dramatic day in the NHL, with record-breaking deals making headlines. Among them, the decision by the Tampa Bay Lightning to let captain Steven Stamkos join the Nashville Predators in free agency raised eyebrows.
Continuing their active offseason, the Lightning traded for Jake Guentzel and promptly signed him to a significant contract. They bolstered their roster further on Tuesday by securing defenseman Victor Hedman with a contract extension.
Victor Hedman has signed an extension with the Lightning, 4 years, 8 million.
This is identical to the contract Steven Stamkos signed with the Nashville Predators yesterday
It may never be clear whether Tampa Bay intentionally timed this announcement a day later. However, given GM Julien BriseBois and the team's treatment of their former captain, such a move wouldn't be surprising at all.