In an episode of the DMase, Vingan, & Daunic Podcast covering the Nashville Predators earlier this week, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet raised an intriguing situation. The insider voiced concerns with Steven Stamkos, wondering if at some point, he and the club could explore their options if things do not improve.
While it is easy to pile on with criticism of GM Barry Trotz for his frivolous spending for Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, adding two Stanley-Cup-winning 40-goal-scorers is hard to pass up. Although both were on the wrong side of 30 at time of signing, the Predators had reeled off a season exceeding expectations. Ryan O’Reilly and Gustav Nyquist were amazing fits, so Trotz figured to add to the mix, going for one more push. Worse case, even if Stamkos and Marchessault did not maintain their scoring levels, they would be tremendous leaders.
Unfortunately, for Stamkos especially, things have gone even worse than reasonably expected. His 2024-25 production, 27 goals, 53 points, was at a rate not seen since being a teenager rookie in 2008-09. Stamkos’ -36, a career worst by far, was highly indicative of his declining ability at 5-on-5. At times, the first overall pick in 2008 looked uncomfortable, which is reasonable considering his perhaps unexpected new digs, but things never really improved.
And although it is still just October, Stamkos has not looked any better in 2025-26, with just one goal and two points in 9 games. He is no longer a center, playing along the likes of Fedor Svechkov and Luke Evangelista. Both are respectable young players, but it is such a far cry from Stamkos’ heyday in Tampa Bay. Stamkos is purely a power play specialist, and unfortunately, that has not even gone much to plan. The Predators have him teeing off in his regular spot, but are among the league’s worst on the man advantage.
Fans may criticize the former superstar, but at 35, he is what he is, and Stamkos’ production seems to be more a result of the team around him. With an elite playmaker, it is likely he could still be a 30+ goal scorer, but there is just no such to offer on the Preds’ roster. Nashville has had a respectable start so far, but much is on the back of goaltender Juuse Saros. They have a key test tonight vs Dallas, and getting Stamkos going is becoming an urgent matter.
While it remains pure speculation in terms of Stamkos at this point, his production is a major story for the Predators. If the team begins to fall in the standings again, it may become a serious conversation. With three more years at a $8MM cap hit, it would not be easy, but Stamkos is one of few players which have a level of respect where he could have ultimate say in his future; whether in Nashville, or beginning to seek an alternate destination, no matter how difficult such a move could be to execute.
Despite his AAV I think a few other teams would have interest in Stamkos, maybe even moving him back to center. There’s probably some age-related decline but it seems clear a lot of the struggle is situation-based. It just hasn’t worked. I don’t blame Trotz for taking the shot in free agency either.
The Preds have used 2/3 retained salary slots and if they’re out of the race in Feb/March probably want that last one open. My guess is Stamkos gets moved next offseason.
Steven Stamkos production has been on the decline since after the 2022 season. His ridiculous $8 million dollar contract is going to be hard to move as Nashville may have to retain possibly 50% of the $8 million. The biggest problem with Stamkos outside of the contract, is his production is now just dismal. He provides nothing but leadership and being a PP specialist but outside of that he’s truly a liability for a team. Nashville is going to be in a tough spot with the Stamkos situation as only few teams may have interest under the right circumstances.
(nods) Athletic peak is ages 27-28, and for most everyone, it’s downhill from there. There are freaks like Crosby, Ovechkin and Marchand who maintain elite performance deep into their thirties, but they’re very much outliers. There’s nothing unusual about a guy in his mid-thirties falling well off his peak.
Methinks there are not all that many “options”.
Chris Drury should be all over this with the Rangers in need of an upgrade
Stammer chased the cash and who could blame him. It was never going to work out with a middling team like the Pred’s. Hopefully he gets a chance to play for a contender before he’s done.
In 10 games so far, the Preds have only scored more than 2 goals in a game 3 times, and one of them was due to two empty net goals. Not great roster construction by Trotz, but Brunette is killing this team. Saros has kept their record at .500
“Stamkos’ production seems to be more a result of the team around him”
It’s more like Pred’s production is a result of the team built around him. BriseBois was so adamant in his chasing Stammer out of town that Barry should have at least asked questions. If he had, he would have seen that his Plus/Minus was the worst on his team. If he had watched videos of goals Tampa conceded he would have seen quite a few where a player scored because Stammer was several steps behind him coming back to his D zone.
Barry clearly doesn’t look at analytics, relying on his own gut feeling. Because there are still some GM’s like that, one of them will take Stammer off his hands, with maximum retention of course, and maybe another sweetener.
The is a winner here. Brisebois offered Stammer $3M AAV in the knowledge that the offer couldn’t be accepted. Well done.