For the New Jersey Devils, things appear bleak. The team has sunk to the lower end of the Metropolitan Division. Amid the Devils’ struggles and the recent failed pursuit of Quinn Hughes, the team has been linked to a two-time Stanley Cup champion, widely regarded for his exceptional scoring.
Insider Links Steven Stamkos with the New Jersey Devils
The ship has sailed for all the NHL fans who had harboured the desire to watch the Hughes brothers play on the same team. While star defenseman Quinn had confessed at one point that he would like to play with his brothers Jack and Luke, the blueliner has made his way to play with Kirill Kaprizov for the Minnesota Wild.
Heavyweight NHL star Steven Stamkos, who once led the Tampa Bay Lightning to two successive Stanley Cup victories, was on the Devils’ radar in July 2024, according to Pierre LeBrun. It would make sense for the team to pick up where they had left off.
Stamkos is in the second year of a four-year, $32 million contract with the Nashville Predators, and LeBrun believes that the Devils are one of the teams that could be interested in acquiring the veteran forward for more than one reason.
First of all, despite his age and somewhat underwhelming performance this season, Stamkos remains a formidable offensive presence. The Devils, who want to bolster their offense, could very well explore this avenue.
“We know the Devils have talked about Stamkos internally, and we know New Jersey would like to boost its offense. Moving Ondrej Palat and his $6 million cap hit (signed through next season, with a 10-team list as part of his modified no-trade) would make sense as part of this deal to make the math work,” LeBrun wrote for the Athletic.
Of course, the Predators have seen a drastic improvement in their performance recently. Not too long ago, the team was languishing at the bottom of the Central Division, but it has now climbed up to a respectable position in the standings. Under such circumstances, coupled with Stamkos’ personal preference to stay in Nashville with his family, a move for the forward could be easier said than done.
However, given its own priorities, the Nashville front office may nonetheless consider a trade involving Stamkos, writes LeBrun. “…the Preds will be willing to move Stamkos regardless of where they are in the standings because they’re transitioning the roster to younger pieces over the next few years.”
It is worth noting that Stamkos has a full no-movement clause, and he may have a short list of teams he would be willing to waive it for. However, for LeBrun, the Devils seem like a possible suitor.