Is Steven Stamkos leaving the Nashville Predators? It is the biggest question heading into the offseason. Stamkos hit the 40-goal mark this year, proving he still has an elite scoring touch. But for the 36-year-old veteran, individual accolades mean nothing without playoff hockey.
According to Nashville Predators insider Alex Daugherty, Stamkos is profoundly disappointed that the team failed to qualify for the postseason, outright labeling the campaign a failure. Now, with general manager Barry Trotz departing, the franchise is at a massive crossroads and Stamkos’ future hangs in the balance. If you clicked wondering if Stamkos is asking for a trade today, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no, but a definitive maybe. It entirely depends on whether the incoming GM decides to rebuild or retool. If the new management opts for a teardown, expect Stamkos to waive his No-Movement Clause (NMC) to chase another Stanley Cup.
Why the Nashville Predators GM Search Determines Stamkos’ Future
My Take: Stamkos’ return to 40-goal form this season made him a frequent subject of media chatter leading up to last month’s NHL trade deadline. It made sense; contenders are always looking for a right-handed power-play lethal weapon. He squelched most of the noise back then by repeatedly saying he had no intention of waiving his no-movement clause. He wanted to see this season through.
However, the landscape in “Smashville” has drastically shifted. Barry Trotz, the architect who believed in this current core, is out. Whenever a new GM enters the fold, they bring their own vision. If that vision involves gutting the roster, hoarding draft picks, and moving out aging veterans, keeping an older player with an $8 million Average Annual Value (AAV) makes zero sense for either party.
Will Steven Stamkos Waive His No-Movement Clause?
Stamkos has two more seasons left on his current contract, and his NMC is ironclad for the duration of the deal. He holds all the cards. But you have to put yourself in the shoes of a fierce competitor. At 36, the window to win is closing rapidly.
If the Predators decide to quickly retool the roster by adding a few missing pieces via free agency, Stamkos will likely stay and honor his contract. He likes the city and the fanbase. But if the word “rebuild” is uttered during the new GM’s introductory press conference, I fully expect Stamkos to sit down with his agent and quietly provide Nashville with a list of approved trade destinations. A 40-goal scorer with two years left is a highly tradeable asset, even at $8 million, provided the Predators are willing to retain a fraction of that salary to facilitate a blockbuster deal.
Steven Stamkos Career NHL Stats
| Type | GP | G | A | P | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | 1245 | 622 | 631 | 1253 | -8 |
| Playoffs | 128 | 50 | 51 | 101 | -11 |
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