Predators Lose Out on Chandler Stephenson Amidst Massive Signing Day

The Nashville Predators were one of the frontrunners for center Chandler Stephenson after it became clear that he wasn't going to be re-signed by the Vegas Golden Knights. Amidst a massive day for the Predators, they couldn't bring in one final piece up front in Stephenson as he signed for seven years at $6.25 million AAV with the Seattle Kraken.

The Predators brought in Steven Stamkos for four years and Jonathan Marchessault for five years, almost adding the former Conn Smythe's previous teammate and sometimes winger to the top-6 as well.

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After the top line of the Predators that featured Filip Forsberg, Ryan O'Reilly, and Gustav Nyquist, it wasn't clear who fit in where and who was going to add the adequate secondary scoring. Nashville now has five confirmed top-6 players.

Whether the Predators want Stamkos playing down the middle or not, there are now options and more time for the team to add even more if they so choose. With the cap space left available (over $4 million) and the number Stephenson's contract came in at, it makes sense that the Predators weren't able to bring in their fourth big name of the day.

Stephenson should slot in as the second line center in Seattle, the spot where he would have found himself in Nashville had he signed there. The Predators have a few more RFAs to get signed, so that should eat up most of the remaining cap space.