The Predators made a big splash as NHL free agency opened Monday by signing Stanley Cup champions Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault amid a jaw-dropping series of moves topping $100 million that made Smashville the center of attention across hockey.

Stamkos left the Lightning after 16 seasons that included winning the Stanley Cup twice and making two other trips to the final. He signed a four-year contract with the Predators worth $32 million.

“When I became GM of the Predators, I said many times that I was looking to add ‘serial winners’ to our franchise, and there is perhaps no one who fits that mold more than Steven Stamkos,” general manager Barry Trotz said. “We’re incredibly excited to sign a Hall of Fame player and person on what is now a massive day for the future of our organization. Having twice won the Stanley Cup as a captain, Steven is a proven winner and leader who will make us a better team on the ice with his production and in the locker room as someone for our younger players to learn from.”

Marchessault, the 2023 playoff MVP and another standout veteran forward, got a five-year deal worth $27.5 million. The Predators also signed defenseman Brady Skjei to a $49 million, seven-year contract and goaltender Scott Wedgewood to a $3 million, two-year contract.

Wedgewood is expected to spell franchise goalie Juuse Saros, whose long-term contract extension could be finalized this week. Marchessault was an original member of the expansion Golden Knights in 2017 and helped them reach the final twice and win the Stanley Cup last year. He is coming off scoring a career-high 42 goals and, like Stamkos, was one of his team’s most recognizable faces.

“There wasn’t really a decent offer on the table,” Marchessault said on TSN. “I don’t think they tried their best to keep me.”

Jake Guentzel signed a $63 million, seven-year contract with the Lightning after they acquired his rights from the Hurricanes over the weekend, easing the blow of losing Stamkos.

NBA: The ownership group that controls the NBA champion Celtics says it intends to sell all its shares of the team. In a statement, Boston Basketball Partners LLC said it intends to sell the majority of its shares in 2024 or early 2025.

NFL: Jon Gruden lost a bid Monday for three Nevada Supreme Court justices to reconsider whether a lawsuit he filed against the NFL over emails leaked to the media before he resigned as coach of the Raiders should be heard in court or in private arbitration. Gruden’s lawsuit, filed in November 2021, alleges Goodell and the league forced him to resign from the Raiders by leaking racist, sexist and homophobic emails that he sent years earlier when he was at ESPN.

Soccer: A game of epic personal drama and tears for Cristiano Ronaldo ended with his Portugal making the European Championship quarterfinals, beating Slovenia on a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw. The game went to a penalty shootout because Ronaldo’s spot-kick in the 114th minute was saved by Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak. In the shootout Ronaldo scored his kick, Portugal’s first, and teammate Diogo Costa saved all three of Slovenia’s kicks.