The Daily: Predators can be ‘special’; Motown goalie is a glut

If it really does take one person to know one person, then the Nashville Predators should be encouraged by the decision of free agent Steven Stamkos to sign with them. He’s been clear about why he wanted to be on this team.

“I get to be a part of something special here,” he said. “Maybe it’s another great chapter. That’s the part that intrigues me and makes it so exciting.”

The Stamkos signing was part of one of the best days in hockey history for the Predators. In addition to signing Stamkos, they also signed Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei. Noah McKay has the details on Nashville’s big splash on the first day of free agency. It follows GM Barry Trotz signing veteran goalie Juuse Saros to an eight-year extension.

The Predators are extremely excited about their latest round of changes.

“I foresee one day we’ll have a parade down our Broadway,” Trotz said. “Once you do it, it’s addictive. You start looking at the number of guys on our team who have done it — they pull you along.”

Red Wings In case you missed it

Detroit’s defense will look very different this season with Shayne Gostisbehere and Jake Walman gone and Simon Edvinsson set to become a regular. New defenseman Erik Gustafsson will create some offense from the back.

Are four experienced goalies too many or enough for the Red Wings? The arrival of Jack Campbell from Michigan gives GM Steve Yzerman plenty of options in net.

Patrick Kane’s one-year, $4 million contract could be worth $6.5 million if he earns all of his bonuses.

Red Wings Outdoor Season

With the loss of David Perron, Jake Walman, Shayne Gostisbehere and likely Daniel Sprong, the Red Wings are down 57 goals from last season’s team. Walman (12) and Gostisbehere (10) were the team’s leading scoring defensemen, while Sprong scored 18 goals and Perron 17. Sprong is still available on the free agent market. How will Detroit recoup those goals? Detroit Hockey Now will explore that in a story later this week.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Andrew Fantuccio writes that the Bruins left a few boxes unchecked in their first-day free agency maneuvers. Boston Bruins.

Colorado: The Avalanche found a way to keep Jonathan Drouin in Colorado. He signed a one-year deal. Colorado Avalanche.

Chicago: Can an NHL team get significantly better overnight? It can when it signs multiple free agents, as the Blackhawks did Monday. They even brought in former Detroit fan favorite Tyler Bertuzzi. Nate Brown tells the story. Chicago Blackhawks.

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski explains what GM Kyle Dubas is doing with his new approach. The Penguins are going in a different direction. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose Sharks: Why Tyler Toffoli Chose to Sign with the San Jose Sharks.