Veteran Steven Stamkos is in his second season with the Nashville Predators after signing a four-year, $32 million deal in July last year. However, Stamkos has had a rough start to the 2023-24 season, tallying just one goal and two points in 13 games. Meanwhile, the Predators (5-6-2) are also struggling, currently sitting sixth in the Central Division.
Stamkos’ slow start has raised questions about his future in Nashville. NHL insider Jeff Marek has linked him to teams like the Montreal Canadiens and the Vancouver Canucks. With Patrik Laine, who is signed to a $34.8 million contract, potentially out for four to five months due to injury, the Canadiens could be interested in adding the veteran forward. However, Stamkos holds a full no-trade clause, giving him veto power over any potential deal.
Stamkos will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2027-28 season. According to rumors, a return to the Tampa Bay Lightning cannot be ruled out for the 35-year-old.
### How Has Steven Stamkos Fared with the Nashville Predators?
Steven Stamkos joined the Nashville Predators as a free agent in July last year after spending 16 seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning. His first season with Nashville was disappointing by his standards, as he scored a career-low 27 goals and 53 points in 82 games. This marked a sharp decline from the 40 goals and 81 points he recorded in 79 games with Tampa Bay the previous year.
In total, Stamkos has amassed 28 goals and 27 assists in 95 games for the Predators, amounting to 55 career points with the team so far.
During his long tenure with the Lightning, Stamkos compiled an impressive 1,137 points from 555 goals and 582 assists across 1,082 games. He also won the Stanley Cup twice with Tampa Bay, cementing his legacy as one of the elite players of his generation.
As Stamkos continues his career in Nashville, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can regain his scoring touch and help elevate the Predators in the Central Division standings.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/nhl/rumor-nhl-trade-rumors-insider-links-steven-stamkos-canadiens-34-800-000-forward-s-imminent-exit