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Steven Stamkos reacts to Nikita Kucherov trade request after Predators beat Lightning
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- Steven Stamkos reacts to Nikita Kucherov trade request after Predators beat Lightning
Rarely is a Nashville Predators win overshadowed by off-ice news about the opposing team.
But that's exactly what happened on Oct. 31 when the Tampa Bay Lightning visited Bridgestone Arena .
One day earlier, the NHL was shocked to learn of Nikita Kucherov's trade request out of Tampa Bay. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman broke the news that Kucherov , a two-time Hart Trophy winner, is not planning to re-sign with the Lightning and is now requesting a trade.
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After the Predators 5-4 shootout win, Steven Stamkos, who played 10 seasons with Kucherov in Tampa Bay, reacted to the news.
"My reaction was probably the same as all of yours," Stamkos said. "You don't expect to see something like that."
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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois issued a statement regarding the trade request on Oct. 30, saying: "We are aware of the media reports regarding the future of Nikita Kucherov with the Lightning. We unequivocally have no intention of trading Nikita."
The situation is likely familiar for Stamkos, who had his own contract standoff with Tampa Bay in 2024. He went un-signed by the Lightning (8-3-2, 18 points) that summer, then signed a four-year deal with Nashville (5-4-5, 15 points).
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"Obviously I have the world of respect for (Kucherov)," Stamkos said. "Everyone knows what I think of him as a player and as a person. Getting a chance to play with him for so long, he was a huge part of my success. I still keep in touch with him."
This was the Predators' first shootout win of the season and ended a two-game losing streak. Stamkos had six shots in 16:21 and scored the game-tying goal and the shootout-clinching goal.
As for Kucherov, 33, the trade request did not seem to affect his impact on the game: He finished with three assists in 23:41.
"He still looked pretty good out there tonight," Stamkos said.
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Next up, the Predators host the Carolina Hurricanes on Nov. 3 (7 p.m. CT, The Spot Nashville 28).
EXCLUSIVE: Predators coach Andrew Brunette addresses job security amid lukewarm start | Exclusive
Alex Daugherty is the Predators beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Alex at jdaugherty@gannett.com , follow him on X at @alexdaugherty1 or check out our Predators exclusive Instagram page @tennessean_preds .
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Steven Stamkos reacts to Nikita Kucherov trade request after Predators beat Lightning
