The NHL’s 2024 off-season saw a handful of star players and other notable names change teams. Now that training camp has begun, we can look around the NHL and see what those players have to say about their change of scenery.
In Nashville, right winger Steven Stamkos is settling into life with the Predators. He made a nice first impression in his first pre-season action, scoring a goal against the Florida Panthers Sunday night.
Before playing his first game with the Predators, Stamkos spoke to Sportsnet about the transition from being a cornerstone Tampa Bay Lightning contributor and leader to a new face in Nashville.
“It’s a great group of guys, so that makes it easier,” Stamkos said. “I think it certainly changes systematically, just trying to figure out some things. Obviously, as we all know, I’ve been in one place my whole career, so you’re pretty comfortable and confident in what you’re doing on the ice, it just comes second nature. There’s some tweaks to some system things that aren’t just going to happen overnight.”
Meanwhile, new Lightning left winger Jake Guentzel – who somewhat replaces Stamkos in Tampa Bay – told media he isn’t concerned with replacing what Stamkos brought to the organization. After all, the Lightning traded for Guentzel’s signing rights from the Carolina Hurricanes right before Stamkos even became a free agent.
“I wasn’t too sure what was going on behind the scenes with (Stamkos),” Guentzel told The Athletic. “Obviously a highly respected guy, just unbelievable player, superstar in the league. But, from my end, when a team wants you, they trade for you. I think that was a pretty easy sell for me to go there. And playing in the National Hockey League, you’re going to have pressure wherever you play. That’s just part of it. Hopefully I can come in, produce and have some fun with it.”
Finally, in Washington, star forward Pierre-Luc Dubois is adjusting to the fourth NHL team of his eight-year career. Dubois told media it was strange – in a good way – having Caps star Alex Ovechkin as one of his teammates.
“It’s been a little weird in the sense that I remember a seven-year-old me watching (Ovechkin) play and going on (video game) NHL 2005 and playing with him,” Dubois said. “Now, you’re his teammate. It’s pretty crazy that, as a 26-year-old, now I get to call him a teammate. Playing against him was also something, but playing with him will be even more cool.”
The three players were just a few of the faces who were part of the NHL’s summer carousel, but needless to say, each are facing high expectations this coming season. Stamkos must prove he’s still got it and can push the Predators forward. Guentzel must help the Lightning remain a playoff team now and in the long term. And Dubois is expected to be the Capitals’ top center for the next seven years of his contract. This season is the first step toward meeting those standards.
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News Summary:
- Stamkos, Guentzel And Dubois Share First Impressions Of Their New NHL Teams
- Check all news and articles from the latest NHL updates.