The Tampa Bay Lightning made waves this week, first by letting franchise legend Steven Stamkos walk away in NHL free agency and then by signing defenseman Victor Hedman to a major deal. Stamkos, 34, who signed with the Nashville Predators, left many fans and analysts puzzled, as Stamkos has been the heart and soul of the Lightning for 16 years, 10 as captain, including two Stanley Cups. <q> Steven Stamkos on leaving Tampa Bay after 16 seasons to join Nashville: The toughest part is trying to hang on to something that maybe isn't trying to hang on to you, and that was the tough part for sure. </q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/kyle_burger/status/1807929046946185250'> </a></blockquote></div> On Tuesday, the Lightning didn't waste time making headlines again. They signed defenseman and 33 year-old Victor Hedman to a four-year extension worth $8 million per year. Interestingly, this is the same deal Stamkos received from Nashville, which feels like a direct statement from the Lightning's management. <q> Victor Hedman has signed an extension with the Lightning, 4 years, 8 million. This is identical to the contract Steven Stamkos signed with the Nashville Predators yesterday </q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/hockeypatrol/status/1808133112062169331'> </a></blockquote></div> Whether this timing was intentional or not, it certainly adds to the drama surrounding Stamkos' exit. GM Julien Brisebois and the Lightning have faced criticism for how they handled the situation with their former captain. The decision to announce Hedman's deal right after Stamkos' departure seems like a move that could stir up even more controversy. Source: Hockey Patrol <a href='https://www.hockeypatrol.com/nhl-team/tampa-bay-lightning/tampa-bay-lightning-humiliate-steven-stamkos-with-new-signing' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Tampa Bay Lightning humiliate Steven Stamkos with new signing</a>