Stamkos’ Name Pops Up in Canucks Trade Rumors

As the injuries pile up, the Vancouver Canucks continue to seek help down the middle. According to Rick Dhaliwal of CHEK and Donnie and Dhali Show, Vancouver has reportedly inquired about Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos.

Clearly, this wouldn’t be the easiest deal to make given his no-move clause. However, Stamkos’ year has not gone well and he seemed open to the idea that one never knows where he’ll wind up when speaking to the media following a recent game in Tampa Bay.

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Stamkos, 35, signed a four-year, $32-million contract with Nashville in 2024 after leaving Tampa Bay as a free agent. He never wanted to play elsewhere, but the Lightning made a tough call and decided not to give him the kind of money free agency would provide. Based on his 2025-26 numbers, it’s looking like the Lightning made a wise decision.

While he scored 40 goals in his final Lightning season, his production has dipped with the Predators — just 27 goals and 53 points last season. This year, he’s got just one goal with an assist through 13 games. Trade talk has surrounded him as insiders suggest it’s just not a fit in Nashville. Stamkos talked about wanting to retire there, but didn’t seem to rule out considering options that would make sense as he closes out his NHL run.

Are the Canucks A Team That Fit for Stamkos?

Vancouver’s tight salary cap — nearly $2.8 million into LTIR — further complicates matters. Any Stamkos deal would likely require Nashville to retain salary, though the Predators have only one retention slot left. If agreed to, the return Nashville might want in exchange would have to be something the Canucks would seriously need to consider.

While Stamkos has experience at center and could help Vancouver in that role, there’s a lot of hurdles and what-ifs involved. The Canucks are reportedly “working the phones” and have likely called Nashville. Still, Stamkos has to be on board, the Predators need a return they like, and the Canucks have to believe the veteran can rebound with the right pieces around him.

Next: 3 Teams Linked as Rumors Swirl Around Steven Stamkos’ Future