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Predators' Steven Stamkos Linked to Eastern Conference Contender

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Dec 5, 2025 12:30 PM ET

Veteran Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos' name has resurfaced in the rumor mill this week after a new report has linked him to a potential trade to an Eastern Conference contender.

The 35-year-old remains under contract through 2028 at an $8 million annual value and holds full no-move protection.

The New Jersey Devils remain in the market for scoring help as they keep pushing to solidify their place in the postseason side of the standings, and The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun connected the franchise to Stamkos on Friday's NHL Rumblings column.

“There is no guarantee Steven Stamkos goes anywhere this season,” LeBrun wrote. “He’s got two more years on his deal after this season at an $8 million average annual value, and the veteran forward has a full no-move clause. But the Nashville Predators, as previously reported, would definitely listen to calls on him.”

A look at what’s on and not on the agenda for the NHL’s Board of Governors meeting starting Monday in Colorado Springs. Plus Stamkos and Sherwood and more in latest Rumblings for ⁦@TheAthletic⁩ ⤵️ https://t.co/mHkSiPgczw
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) December 5, 2025

Added LeBrun: “My understanding is that the New Jersey Devils have discussed his name internally, among many other trade targets, of course.”

Stamkos’ tenure in Nashville has been uneven, at the very least. The proven forward arrived as part of a major 2024 free-agency swing but produced one of his lowest point totals (53) in years last season.

The Predators, meanwhile, finished last season with the third-worst total points (68) and have struggled again this year, tied for the second-fewest points with 24 in 27 games.

The Devils have long searched for a finisher to complement Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt after Tyler Toffoli’s departure in 2024. As LeBrun noted, the Devils pursued Stamkos but ultimately failed to land him two offseasons ago.

This year, New Jersey has spread out goals across its lineup with four players tied for 10 goals apiece, but no clear leader has emerged on the goal-scoring front.

Stamkos’ scoring history, even though his production has waned of late, could help boost the Devils' offensive units. The former No. 1 overall draft pick has 590 goals and 1,201 points over an 18-year career with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Predators. This season, Stamkos has eight goals and three assists in 27 games. Any trade would require his approval due to the no-move clause in his contract.

The Devils and the Predators will only face each other during the second half of the season, with their first meeting scheduled for Jan. 29.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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