Insider Reveals Steven Stamkos is Eyeing a Return to Tampa Bay

Steven Stamkos’ time with the Nashville Predators has not gone according to plan. As a result, the veteran star has found himself on trade boards all year long. While he isn’t actively seeking a move and has actually enjoyed his time in Music City, there are a few teams he would welcome joining—with one familiar team, in particular, standing above the rest.

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According to TSN insider Pierre LeBrun, if Stamkos were approached about a trade, the number one landing spot on his wishlist would be a return to the Tampa Bay Lightning, with Western Conference juggernauts the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild also of interest.

LeBrun said:

“Steven Stamkos has a full no-move clause; he controls the state here, and he’s not asking out. He’s happy in Nashville, but in preparation for if Predators management goes to him before next Friday and says we’ve got some offers on the table, I’m told Stamkos and his camp have prepared themselves by coming up with a list of some preferred destinations. I’m told that list is topped by Tampa Bay, then Dallas, then Minnesota. To a certain degree New Jersey, but certainly it’s Lightning, Stars, and Wild. Keep in mind that I think it’s more likely this is a summer discussion—a summer trade—but just brace yourselves in case this possibility happens,”

The 36-year-old Stamkos is in year two of the four-year, $32 million contract he signed to join the Predators in free agency of 2024. He’s rebounded in 2025–26, having produced 44 points (28 goals, 16 assists) through 57 games so far.

Leaving Tampa Bay hasn’t worked from the start, so as soon as rumors began to swirl regarding Stamkos being a trade candidate, they’ve always made the most sense as a destination. His familiarity with the team, players, city, and organization as a whole would make it a seamless fit—almost as if he never left.

Acquiring Stamkos would undoubtedly require some maneuvering to remain under the salary cap, though Nashville might be willing to either retain some money and/or take a contract back in return to facilitate a deal. As LeBrun notes, a trade is more likely to happen in the offseason, which would also help GM Julien BriseBois manage a larger cap hit like Stamkos’ $8 million.

Nonetheless, Stamkos holds that full no-movement clause. If he wants to go back to Tampa Bay and pursue a third Stanley Cup championship—where he began and spent the vast majority of his soon-to-be Hall of Fame career—Barry Trotz, or whoever is in charge by then, will very likely oblige.

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