Nashville Predators sign Stamkos, Marchessault, Skjei in free agency frenzy; Guentzel signs in Tampa WHIO TV 7 and WHIO Radio [Video]

The Nashville Predators made a big splash as NHL free agency opened Monday by signing Stanley Cup champions Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault in a jaw-dropping series of moves topping $100 million that made Smashville the center of attention across hockey.

Stamkos said he was signing with the Predators, leaving Tampa Bay after 16 seasons that included winning the Stanley Cup twice and making two other trips to the final. Terms were not immediately known, but Stamkos reportedly will get $32 million for four years.

“It’s not for a lack of effort on my side (to try) to make things work out in Tampa, but it’s not fair to Nashville for me to sit here and say I really wanted to be in Tampa,” Stamkos said on TSN in Canada. “Everyone knows I did. It didn’t work out, and I’m just as thrilled to be joining the Nashville Predators for a multitude …