It appears that amid their struggles to score, general manager Tom Fitzgerald is seeking a solution via New Jersey Devils trade.
According to a report, the Devils are internally discussing Steven Stamkos as a Devils trade option.
In his latest rumblings, NHL insider, Pierre LeBrun reports, “My understanding is that the New Jersey Devils have discussed his name internally, among many other trade targets, of course. The Devils were also among the suitors for Stamkos when he was a free agent in 2024. So there’s a bit of history there. It’s something to keep an eye on as we get closer to the March 6 trade deadline.”
There’s no indication that the Devils and Predators have had discussions with each other at this point.
The Devils were reportedly interested in Stamkos when he hit free agency two summers ago. However, he and Johnathan Marchessault opted to go to the Nashville Predators together in a market moving summer by Barry Trotz.
Yet, it hasn’t quite worked out for Stamkos in Nashville, registering one of his lowest point totals in several seasons in 2024-25, scoring just 27 goals and 53 points.
The Predators subsequently finished with just 68 points last year, missing the playoffs, as the once-praised Trotz summer of 2024 quickly went south.
The Devils have long needed a finisher next to Jack Hughes or Jesper Bratt since the departure of Tyler Toffoli at the 2024 NHL trade deadline.
Stamkos, a multi-40-plus goalscorer, one time 50 & 60-goal scorer, fits the bill.
The 35-year-old forward inked a four-year contract with Nashville that carries an $8 million average annual value through 2028.
Stamkos owns full no-trade protection, so he would need to approve of a trade before one is made.
LeBrun mentions that there is no guarantee Stamkos is moved this season, however, the Predators, who are in search of perhaps a new identity, are willing to listen on offers for the former two-time Stanley Cup Champion.
