Predators Star Speaks Out as Trade Rumours Heat Up

As the NHL trade deadline approaches, Steven Stamkos has made one thing very clear to the world of hockey: he is not looking to move on from the Nashville Predators.  

With trade speculation beginning to swirl ahead of the March 6 NHL trade deadline, Stamkos directly addressed a report from The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun suggesting he could be open to waiving his full no-movement clause to join a contender. The 36-year-old forward shut that down quickly.

Steven Stamkos Reacts to Trade Rumours

“I haven’t talked to (GM Barry Trotz) at all about that,” Stamkos said, adding there was “zero” chance he would waive his no-movement clause. “Obviously, there’s stuff that gets reported. 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.”

This comes at a pivotal time for the Predators as they sit with a record of 27-24-7 for 61 points, just two points behind the Seattle Kraken for the final wild card spot in the Western Conference. A recent win over the Chicago Blackhawks has narrowed the lead. The Predators will likely not be willing to sell on Stamkos, due to the severity of the schedule as they finish the remainder of the season vying for a playoff spot.

The Nashville Predators Long-Term Plan

Questions will remain regarding the Predators’ long-term plan. Even if they are able to sneak into a final wild card spot, they will likely need to face off against either the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, or Minnesota Wild, which will lead to an early exit. When Barry Trotz signed Stamkos during the offseason of 2024, many expected the Preds to become the team to beat, but it simply hasn’t gone that way. A tough beginning to the season continued the narrative of the biggest failed offseason in recent sports history, however if they are able to make a run to the postseason, many may applaud the work of the Predators’ management staff.

Stamkos, on the other hand, won’t be entertaining this rumour, reinforcing his want to play in Nashville and remain a key part of the organization, mentioning, “We want to play in meaningful hockey games, and we’re playing in meaningful hockey games right now.”

The veteran winger has responded from a tough first season in Nashville as he has led the Predators in goals with 29 in 58 games. His four-year contract carries an average annual value of $8 million and will run through the 2027-28 campaign. This contract gives Nashville the stability offensively and in the locker room the team desperately needs, especially if wanting to make a deep playoff run.

Stamkos Career Prior to the Nashville Predators

Stamkos became the 22nd player to ever reach 600 career goals on December 31st in a game against the Vegas Golden Knights. Before making his way to Smashville, Stamkos spent 16 seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning, dating back to when he was drafted first overall in the 2008 NHL Draft. Stamkos will be a player remembered by the Tampa faithful as he led the team to back-to-back Stanley Cups and won multiple Rocket Richard Trophies.

As long as the Predators stay within fighting distance of the final wild card spot, it will be tough to see them moving on from their superstar, along with Stamkos waiving his no-movement clause. With the deadline approaching, Stamkos has sent a clear message around the NHL about what his future holds.

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