Story by
What Predators' Steven Stamkos said about NHL trade rumors
- Story by
- What Predators' Steven Stamkos said about NHL trade rumors
Steven Stamkos isn't ready to leave Nashville .
Stamkos denied a report from The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun that he might be willing to waive a full no-movement clause in his contract to be traded to a legitimate contender.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
"I haven't talked to (GM Barry Trotz) at all about that," Stamkos said, adding there was "zero" chance he'd be willing to waive his no movement clause.
"Obviously there's stuff that gets reported," Stamkos said. "But what I'll say, with this group, we want to be together. I can only control what I can control, but I love being here."
Stamkos, 36, has drawn attention ahead of the March 6 NHL trade deadline.
In The Athletic's Feb. 26 report, the Tampa Bay Lightning , Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild were mentioned as potential trade partners.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Oct 15, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) celebrates his goal against the San Jose Sharks during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) shoots into New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25) during the first period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, March 26, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) celebrates his goal against the Minnesota Wild during the first period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) celebrates scoring a goal against the St. Louis Blues during the third period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, Feb. 2, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) celebrates scoring his third goal of the game against the Ottawa Senators during the third period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) fights with Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson (23) and defenseman Bowen Byram (4) at the end of the game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) is recognized for 600 career NHL goals before a game against the New York Islanders at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) scores a goal past St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) during the first period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) scores a goal, his fourth of the game, past St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) and right wing Dalibor Dvorsky (54) during the second period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) falls to the ice after being tripped by Florida Panthers defenseman Jeff Petry during the third period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, Nov. 24, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) disputes his penalty during the second period against the Utah Mammoth at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) skates with the puck against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos holds his daughter Olivia during the Gold Walk before their home opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) gets in position during the third period against the New York Islanders at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) is recognized after he scoring the game winning goal against the Chicago Blackhawks in overtime, his third of the game, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 8, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) and right wing Luke Evangelista (77) pile up in front of the net with Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Ethan Del Mastro (38) during the first period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 8, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) skates with the puck past Florida Panthers defenseman Nate Schmidt (88) during the first period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) battles Ottawa Senators center Tim Stützle (18) during the first period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, Feb. 3, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Jan 23, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) celebrates with teammates after the goal against the San Jose Sharks during the second period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
(Neville E. Guard, Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images)
San Jose Sharks defenseman Jan Rutta (84) collides with goaltender Alexandar Georgiev (40) next to Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) during the second period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Nashville Predators right wing Jonathan Marchessault (81) reacts after scoring against the San Jose Sharks with center Steven Stamkos (91) during the third period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
The crowd cheers after Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) scored against the Chicago Blackhawks in a shootout at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) celebrates his goal against the Chicago Blackhawks with center Ryan O'Reilly (90) during the first period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) reacts after scoring a goal past Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Dustin Tokarski (34) during the first period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, Dec. 23, 2024.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) scores a goal past Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry (35) and defenseman Kris Letang (58) during the second period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) looks for an opening past New York Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider (4) and goaltender Igor Shesterkin (31) during the third period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) fights for the puck with Calgary Flames defenseman Daniil Miromanov (62) during the third period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) fights for the puck with Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman J.J. Moser (90) during the first period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Nov. 29, 2024.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Philadelphia Flyers center Ryan Poehling (25) battles Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) during the second period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Nov 11, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) and Colorado Avalanche right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) face off during the second period at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
(Christopher Hanewinckel, Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) reacts after scoring a goal against the Colorado Avalanche during the second period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) tries to get the puck in the net behind Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard (30) during the third period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 28: Former Tampa Bay Lightning Steven Stamkos #91 of the Nashville Predators warms up in his first game back to Amalie Arena against the Tampa Bay Lightning on October 28, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Oct. 28: Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos waves to the Tampa Bay crowd as the former Lightning captain is honored during his return to Amalie Arena.
(Kim Klement Neitzel, Imagn Images)
Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Mathieu Olivier (24) and Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) chase the puck during the first period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) gets in position against the Seattle Kraken during the second period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) and Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) battle on the puck drop during their game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024.
(Denny Simmons / The Tennessean)
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos holds his daughter Olivia during the gold walk before their season opener against the Dallas Stars at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Nashville Predators’ Steven Stamkos responds to questions during his first news conference at Bridgestone Arena Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
(Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean)
1
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Oct 15, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) celebrates his goal against the San Jose Sharks during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Oct 15, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) celebrates his goal against the San Jose Sharks during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
(Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) shoots into New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom (25) during the first period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, March 26, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
3
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) celebrates his goal against the Minnesota Wild during the first period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
4
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) celebrates scoring a goal against the St. Louis Blues during the third period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, Feb. 2, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
5
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) celebrates scoring his third goal of the game against the Ottawa Senators during the third period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
6
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) fights with Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson (23) and defenseman Bowen Byram (4) at the end of the game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026.
(ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN)
7
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) is recognized for 600 career NHL goals before a game against the New York Islanders at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
8
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) scores a goal past St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) during the first period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
9
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) scores a goal, his fourth of the game, past St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) and right wing Dalibor Dvorsky (54) during the second period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
10
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) falls to the ice after being tripped by Florida Panthers defenseman Jeff Petry during the third period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, Nov. 24, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
11
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) disputes his penalty during the second period against the Utah Mammoth at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
12
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) skates with the puck against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
13
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos holds his daughter Olivia during the Gold Walk before their home opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
14
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) gets in position during the third period against the New York Islanders at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
15
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) is recognized after he scoring the game winning goal against the Chicago Blackhawks in overtime, his third of the game, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 8, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
16
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) and right wing Luke Evangelista (77) pile up in front of the net with Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Ethan Del Mastro (38) during the first period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 8, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
17
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) skates with the puck past Florida Panthers defenseman Nate Schmidt (88) during the first period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
18
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) battles Ottawa Senators center Tim Stützle (18) during the first period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, Feb. 3, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
19
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Jan 23, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) celebrates with teammates after the goal against the San Jose Sharks during the second period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
(Neville E. Guard, Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images)
20
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
San Jose Sharks defenseman Jan Rutta (84) collides with goaltender Alexandar Georgiev (40) next to Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) during the second period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
21
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators right wing Jonathan Marchessault (81) reacts after scoring against the San Jose Sharks with center Steven Stamkos (91) during the third period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
22
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
The crowd cheers after Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) scored against the Chicago Blackhawks in a shootout at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
23
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) celebrates his goal against the Chicago Blackhawks with center Ryan O'Reilly (90) during the first period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
24
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) reacts after scoring a goal past Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Dustin Tokarski (34) during the first period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, Dec. 23, 2024.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
25
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) scores a goal past Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry (35) and defenseman Kris Letang (58) during the second period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
26
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) looks for an opening past New York Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider (4) and goaltender Igor Shesterkin (31) during the third period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
27
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) fights for the puck with Calgary Flames defenseman Daniil Miromanov (62) during the third period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
28
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) fights for the puck with Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman J.J. Moser (90) during the first period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Nov. 29, 2024.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
29
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Philadelphia Flyers center Ryan Poehling (25) battles Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) during the second period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
30
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nov 11, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) and Colorado Avalanche right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) face off during the second period at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
(Christopher Hanewinckel, Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images)
31
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) reacts after scoring a goal against the Colorado Avalanche during the second period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
32
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) tries to get the puck in the net behind Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard (30) during the third period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
33
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 28: Former Tampa Bay Lightning Steven Stamkos #91 of the Nashville Predators warms up in his first game back to Amalie Arena against the Tampa Bay Lightning on October 28, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
34
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Oct. 28: Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos waves to the Tampa Bay crowd as the former Lightning captain is honored during his return to Amalie Arena.
(Kim Klement Neitzel, Imagn Images)
35
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Mathieu Olivier (24) and Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) chase the puck during the first period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
36
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) gets in position against the Seattle Kraken during the second period at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
37
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos (91) and Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) battle on the puck drop during their game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024.
(Denny Simmons / The Tennessean)
38
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos holds his daughter Olivia during the gold walk before their season opener against the Dallas Stars at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
39
/39
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators forward in NHL
Nashville Predators’ Steven Stamkos responds to questions during his first news conference at Bridgestone Arena Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
(Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean)
The Predators (27-24-7, 61 points) are coming off a 4-2 win over the Blackhawks that puts them within two points of the final wild card spot in the Western Conference. But even if Nashville makes the playoffs, they'd face a tough task going up against teams like Colorado , Vegas , Dallas or Minnesota in the first round.
That's fueled speculation that Trotz, who announced his retirement on Feb. 2 , might be willing to sell off players like Stamkos to improve the team's future.
At least for himself, Stamkos doesn't see that happening.
"We want to play in meaningful hockey games and we're playing in meaningful hockey games right now," Stamkos said.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
This season, Stamkos leads the Predators with 29 goals in 58 games, giving him 56 goals in two seasons with Nashville. The four-year contract he signed in 2024 includes an annual $8 million cap hit and runs through the 2027-28 season.
Prior to his arrival in Nashville, Stamkos spent 16 seasons with Tampa after being selected No. 1 overall in the 2008 NHL Draft. On Dec. 31, Stamkos scored his 600th NHL goal , becoming the 22nd player in NHL history to pass the milestone.
ROOKIE CONFIDENCE: Why Matthew Wood's tying goal was 'biggest of the game' for Predators
Alex Daugherty is the Predators beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Alex at jdaugherty@gannett.com . Follow Alex on X, the platform formerly called Twitter, @alexdaugherty1 . Also check out our Predators exclusive Instagram page @tennessean_preds .
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Predators' Steven Stamkos has had 'zero' trade talks with Barry Trotz
