3 Teams Linked as Rumors Swirl Around Steven Stamkos’ Future

Steven Stamkos’ slow start with the Nashville Predators this season has insiders like Jeff Marek thinking something has to change. His struggles have reignited speculation about his NHL future, with rumors linking the veteran forward to potential trades and even a potential return to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Currently, Stamkos has one goal and one assist in 13 games, with a minus-6 rating, raising questions about where his game has gone. Some believe that being away from former teammate Nikita Kucherov is starting to take its toll, but Stamkos is down even from last season’s stats, where he scored 27 goals and 53 points.

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Marek recently suggested that teams like the Vancouver Canucks and Montreal Canadiens could be curious about the 35-year-old. Elliotte Friedman added that Nashville might not be closed off to the idea of a deal, but any trade depends on what they’ll want in return, whether Stamkos will agree to being dealt, and whether they’re willing to retain salary.

Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times suggests that part of Stamkos’ struggles stems from changes in his role. A recent switch to center has given him more puck possession but also more defensive attention, limiting his scoring opportunities. His career-low 3.6% shooting percentage, down from over 16% in Tampa Bay, suggests he misses having a player to feed him for his patented one-timer.

As such, it makes sense that some would be calling for a return to Tampa, where the Lightning are struggling this season.

Interestingly, while Stamkos might not feel entirely comfortable on the ice, he seems to be making himself at home off of it. He and his wife purchased land on Davis Islands, planning a new home around the time his Nashville contract expires. They want to retire in Nashville. “I don’t want to put a percentage on it, but it’s a plan that we have, and plans change, obviously,” Stamkos said. “Things can happen, but it’s certainly a place that my wife and I obviously love, and we have so many connections, even outside of the hockey world.”

Stamkos isn’t looking to move, but he doesn’t seem to be ruling out a trade. Whether Nashville finds a suitor he has an interest in going to remains to be seen.

Next: Red Wings Trade Outlook: Scribe Breaks Down Options for Detroit