As the Nashville Predators get set to open training camp this week, one of the most pressing questions surrounding the team is where – and with whom – Steven Stamkos will play. In a recent interview with The Tennessean [https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nhl/predators/2024/09/16/steven-stamkos-nashville-predators-andrew-brunette-plans/75188120007/], Predators head coach Andrew Brunette offered some insight on how he plans to deploy his newest weapon on offense. Stamkos can play both at center and on the wing, and Brunette expects him to play both at various points with the Predators. If history is indication, Stamkos' offensive production is likely to be consistent regardless of which position he plays. He has scored 40 goals or more in seven of his 16 NHL seasons, most recently doing so last year with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos speaks to the media at his first in-person availability since signing a four-year, $32 million contract in free agency. Brunette, for his part, is less concerned with where Stamkos plays than he is with who he plays with. Potential line mates include former Lightning teammate and fellow offseason signing Jonathan Marchessault and young forwards Tommy Novak and Luke Evangelista, who could benefit greatly from playing and developing alongside a likely Hall of Famer in Stamkos. To that end, Brunette emphasizes Stamkos' leadership experience and championship pedigree as his best qualities. "Of course, you think of the power play and the shooting," Brunette said (via The Tennessean). "But we're bringing in another guy that knows how to win." As far as training camp and preseason are concerned, expect Stamkos to see a revolving door of line mates as Brunette and his staff assess which combinations find the most chemistry with one another and complement each other's skills. As Brunette told The Tennessean, "we're just trying to get the best version of [Stamkos] that we can. The on-ice portion of Nashville Predators training camp begins Thursday at Ford Ice Center Bellevue. For more information, including the roster and practice schedule, click here [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/nashville-predators-announce-2024-training-camp-roster].
