There is always plenty of excitement among NHL fans when their favorite teams sign a big player in free agency. It is understandable, as they are expected to make a significant impact, and in many cases, they do. 

However, in some cases, there are scenarios where players end up struggling after joining a new team. This was certainly the case with a few of last year’s top free-agent signings. 

Let’s now look at three notable signings from this past summer who underperformed in 2024-25 and also why they could end up turning things around next season.

Steven Stamkos, C, Nashville Predators 

After signing a four-year, $32-million contract with the Nashville Predators last off-season, Steven Stamkos struggled with consistency in his first year with the Central Division club. In 82 games with the Predators, he posted 27 goals, 53 points, and a minus-36 rating. This was after he had 40 goals and 81 points in 79 games during his final year with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2023-24.

Stamkos showed flashes of his star form at times with the Predators this past season, but he also had serious offensive struggles. For example, he did not record a point in 13 consecutive games from Jan. 25 to March 2, which is simply unheard of from the future Hall of Famer. He also started the season with just one point in his first eight games. 

Why Stamkos Can Turn Things Around 

While Stamkos’ first season with the Predators did not go as planned, fans certainly should not sleep on the 2008 first-overall pick. He still produced like a legitimate star just back in 2023-24 with Tampa Bay and has been one throughout his NHL career. Thus, the possibility of him turning things around cannot be ruled out. 

Furthermore, this was the first season Stamkos played on a team that was not the Lightning in his 17-year NHL career. As a result, it naturally took him some time to adjust to the Predators’ system, and a bounce-back season could be on the way for him in year No. 2 in Nashville.

Jonathan Marchessault, C, Nashville Predators 

Sticking with Nashville, Jonathan Marchessault also did not necessarily perform up to expectations in 2024-25. After scoring a career-high 42 goals and recording 69 points in 82 games in his final season with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023-24, he had 21 goals, 56 points, and a minus-29 rating in 78 games this past season with Nashville. 

Like Stamkos, Marchessault had trouble producing at the level expected of him for much of the season. When noting that the 34-year-old winger has a $5.5-million cap hit until the end of the 2028-29 season, they will be hoping that he has a bounce-back campaign in 2025-26. 

Why Marchessault Can Turn Things Around 

Marchessault may have had his rough moments this past season, but it is hard to believe that he can’t pick his play back up next season. He has shown throughout his career that he can produce like a star, and a clean slate next season could help things on that front. 

Furthermore, the Predators as a whole simply had a bad year in 2024-25. Thus, players like Marchessault and Stamkos could improve their numbers next season if the team around them also gets things back on track. 

Elias Lindholm, C, Boston Bruins 

After signing Elias Lindholm to a seven-year, $54.25-million contract this past off-season, the Boston Bruins thought they found their long-term first-line center. However, Lindholm did not reach expectations in his first season in Boston, posting 17 goals, 30 assists and a minus-4 rating in 82 games. 

Lindholm’s struggles this past season led to him being bounced around the lineup, and he even spent time on Boston’s third line. With Lindholm carrying a $7.75-million cap hit, this is not ideal, and the Bruins will be hoping that Lindholm can prove he can be a full-time top-six center for them next season. 

Why Lindholm Can Turn Things Around 

Lindholm’s finish to the season should provide some optimism. After being moved back up to the first line, Lindholm formed strong chemistry with David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie. In his final seven games of the season, he recorded four goals, five assists, nine points and a plus-11 rating. This is undoubtedly encouraging, and the Bruins will be hoping he can build off it in 2025-26. 

Lindholm also revealed at the end of the season that he had been dealing with a back injury that he suffered during training camp, which negatively impacted him at the start of the campaign. Now that he is healthy, perhaps he can have that big season the Bruins will be hoping for in 2025-26.

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