James Nichols
Is general manager Tom Fitzgerald still considering a Steven Stamkos, New Jersey Devils trade?
Earlier in 2025-26, it was reported that the Devils were considering the two-time Stanley Cup Champion as a trade target amid struggles in Nashville.
However, the Predators have turned things around, largely due to Stamkos’ emergence after early-season struggles.
Now, Stamkos is on pace for 41 goals by the end of the season, scoring 29 through 58 games so far.
The Predators are sitting just on the out playoffs, two points removed from the second wild card spot in the West which is occupied by the Seattle Kraken.
However, GM Barry Trotz’s time is coming to an end in Nashville, and the Predators organization could be going in a whole new direction.
Thus, insider Pierre LeBrun revealed vis TSN Insider Trading that although Stamkos is happy to stay where he is, he and his agent have prepared destinations the 35-year-old sniper would consider waiving his full no-move clause for.
“Steven Stamkos has a full no-move clause,” LeBrun started. “Here’s what is happening. He controls his fate here and he’s not asking out. Stamkos is happy in Nashville. But, in preparation for if Predators management goes to him before next Friday and say’s, ‘We have some offers on the table,’ I’m told that Stamkos and his camp have prepared themselves. And they’ve prepared themselves by coming up with a list of preferred destinations. I’m told tat list is topped by Tampa Bay, then Dallas, and then Minnesota are the three teams on that list.”
Although the Lightning, Stars, and Wild are atop Stamkos’ list, there’s one more team the sniper would consider.
“To a certain degree, New Jersey,” LeBrun added. “The Devils tried to sign him two years ago. But, certainly it’s Lightning, Stars, and Wild. Keep in mind, I think it’s more likely a summer discussion, a summer trade. But, brace yourself in case this possibility happens.”
So, here’s the thing. Obvisouly, the Devils aren’t making the postseason this year. It will be an early summer in New Jersey, with a lot to evaluate in terms of what went wrong in a year where the expectations were so high.
Among those evaluations will be the GM and head coach Sheldon Keefe.
Fitzgerald’s previous interest in Stamkos is well documented. It makes sense for the Devils to be interested in him, too. They’re currently dead last in goals per-game (2.46) among the 32 NHL clubs, and Stamkos brings a boatload of firepower.
Here’s what we know. New Jersey Hockey Now has learned that although the 2025-26 season was an abject failure, management believes it’s a blip on the radar.
The belief is with the right retool, they could come back next season and compete, especially led by Jack Hughes—who, admittedly, has to stay healthy.
The Devils have been searching for the right player to skate alongside their franchise forward and Jesper Bratt to round out a proper first line in New Jersey for far too long.
Hughes and Bratt feeding Stamkos pucks to shoot makes all the sense in the world. However, it comes down to cost acquisition. In fact, it even comes down to who will be calling the shots when the season is over.
So, yes. New Jersey’s current management still remains interested in the services of Stamkos. They’re more of an outside candidate than the three teams LeBrun mentioned as frontrunners.
Yet, depending on who is in chare this summer—barring Stamkos remains in Nashville until then—the potential next GM could have a completely different idea about Stamkos.
