Steven Stamkos is struggling badly with the Nashville Predators. With an $8M cap hit and an NMC, could a trade actually happen? We analyze the options.
When the Nashville Predators signed Steven Stamkos two summers ago, it was hailed as a massive win—a franchise player choosing Music City. Fast forward to today, and the tune has changed dramatically. The $8 million AAV contract is looking like an anchor, not a sail.
As an NHL analyst, I can tell you this isn’t just a slow start; it’s a trend. After a disappointing 53-point debut season, Stamkos has been a ghost this year, posting just one goal and one assist in nine games. That’s not what you pay a superstar for.
Now, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has poured gasoline on the fire. On a recent podcast, he posed the critical question: if things don’t get better, isn’t it “beneficial to both team and player to explore a trade?”
From my perspective, the answer is a resounding yes. Let’s be blunt: the Nashville Predators are in a tough spot. They’re clinging to a wildcard position, their captain Roman Josi is out long-term, and GM Barry Trotz is not a man who sits on his hands. He’s a realist. If he sees the season slipping away, a “fire sale” is absolutely on the table to accelerate the re-tool.
The biggest hurdle, of course, is Stamkos himself. At 35, he has two years left on his deal and holds a full no-movement clause (NMC). He controls his destiny. But does he really want to spend his twilight years on a non-contender? As a two-time Cup winner, his competitive fire must be burning. A chance to join a contender for one last run could be exactly what he needs to waive that clause.
Which Teams Could Actually Afford a Steven Stamkos Trade?
This is where it gets tricky. Three teams that make sense, but the logistics are complex.
Vancouver Canucks: They need center help, but their cap situation is a mess. A Stamkos deal is only possible if Nashville retains 50% salary, which they might be willing to do for a better asset.
Toronto Maple Leafs: This is the fantasy story—Stamkos and his best friend, John Tavares, reuniting. From an expert’s view, the math is nearly impossible. Toronto has zero cap space. This is a non-starter unless a major contract is going back, which is unlikely mid-season.
Carolina Hurricanes: This is the one to watch. They are a top contender, they always have cap space, and they’re hunting for one more game-changing forward for their power play. Stamkos fits that description perfectly.
Ultimately, this all comes down to two things: Stamkos has to start playing better to have any trade value, and he has to agree to the move. But for the first time, a Steven Stamkos trade doesn’t just feel possible—it feels necessary.
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