Hockey

Steven Stamkos Dismisses Trade Rumors, Committed to Predators

by
William Caldwell
February 27, 2026

In a clear message to fans and teammates alike, Predators forward Steven Stamkos has put to rest any speculation about leaving Nashville. The 36-year-old star responded to a report from The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, which suggested he might consider waiving his full no-movement clause to facilitate a trade to a contender. “I haven’t talked to (general manager Barry Trotz) at all about that,” Stamkos declared emphatically, noting that there is “zero” chance he would agree to such a move.

Stamkos emphasized his commitment to the current roster, saying, “Obviously there’s stuff that gets reported. But what I’ll say, with this group, we want to be together. I can only control what I can control, but I love being here.” With the March 6 NHL trade deadline approaching, his comments come at a crucial time for the Predators, who are currently in the hunt for a playoff spot.

After a recent 4-2 victory over the Blackhawks, Nashville stands at 27-24-7, just two points shy of the final wild card position in the Western Conference. Despite the team’s playoff aspirations, the daunting challenge of facing formidable opponents like Colorado, Vegas, Dallas, or Minnesota looms large. This situation has led to increased chatter regarding potential trades, especially following Trotz’s retirement announcement on February 2, which raised questions about the team’s direction.

Yet, Stamkos remains focused on the present, insisting, “We want to play in meaningful hockey games and we’re playing in meaningful hockey games right now.” This season, he leads the Predators with 29 goals in 58 games, contributing to a total of 56 goals since joining Nashville. His four-year contract, signed in 2024, carries an annual cap hit of $8 million and extends through the 2027-28 season.

Before joining the Predators, Stamkos had a storied 16-season career with the Tampa Bay Lightning after being selected first overall in the 2008 NHL Draft. He reached a significant milestone earlier this season, scoring his 600th NHL goal on December 31, becoming the 22nd player in league history to achieve this feat.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.

William Caldwell

William Caldwell is a veteran journalist whose career has spanned the highs and lows of the sports world. With a focus on baseball and hockey, William’s articles are known for their depth and historical perspective, making him a favorite among fans who appreciate the rich traditions of sports. Outside the press box, William is an amateur historian with a particular interest in sports memorabilia.