Predators Must Convince Steven Stamkos to Waive No-Trade Clause Ahead of NHL Deadline

The NHL's 2026 trade deadline is set to pass at 3 p.m. ET on Friday. Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos figures to be one of the more intriguing names to track in the waning hours of the trade window.

Nashville has sent a large portion of the week flipping players for draft capital. On Thursday, the team dealt Michael Bunting to the Dallas Stars, and he joins a list of new ex-Predators that also includes Michael McCarron, Cole Smith, and Nick Blankenburg.

Could Stamkos join that list before the trade deadline arrives? That's largely up to the 36-year-old himself, as Stamkos' contract contains a full no-trade clause. Recently, the former Tampa Bay Lightning star made it clear that he's not looking to waive it.

"Obviously there's stuff that gets reported. But what I'll say, with this group, we want to be together. I can only control what I can control, but I love being here," Stamkos said, per The Tennessean's Alex Daugherty, while adding that there's "zero" chance he'll waive his no-trade clause.

Stamkos' statements came after The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun suggested that the two-time Stanley Cup champion might consider waiving the clause to join another contender.

"As far as I understand it, Stamkos would have a very short list of teams he'd accept a trade to. It would have to be a legitimate contender and a good spot for his family," LeBrun wrote on February 26. "Three teams that would fit that bill are the Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild."

While Stamkos may not be looking to waive his no-trade clause, the Predators should do what they can to convince him to do so before the window closes. They reportedly haven't received a firm offer, but other teams are interested in acquiring Stamkos.

According to hockey insider Frank Seravalli, the Predators are looking to tear down the roster and rebuild—if that wasn't already clear by the franchise's string of trades.

The idea that Nashville is looking to go in a new direction shouldn't surprise anyone. General manager Barry Trotz announced last month that he intends to retire as soon as the organization has identified his successor. Cashing in Stamkos would make a ton of sense.

Stamkos, who has already reached 30 goals on the season, would undoubtedly bring a strong return in a trade. His age and $8 million salary may turn off some teams, but contenders looking for scoring help aren't likely to find many better alternatives.

While Stamkos recorded just 53 points in his first season with the Predators, he topped 80 in each of the previous three seasons and has done so eight times.

Teams looking for experience and leadership won't find many better options either. Stamkos was a Lightning captain for 10 seasons, helping to lead Tampa Bay to two championships and four Stanley Cup Finals appearances.

And while Stamkos would prefer to try making Nashville a contender this year—and the team isn't that far out of the postseason picture—the Predators clearly have other ideas.

For a franchise eager for a full-on rebuild, Stamkos has more value as a trade chip than a player at this point in his career, even if he's still playing at a high level. Trotz and the Predators need to make that clear to Stamkos and get him to waive his no-trade clause in time to get firm trade offers on the table before the deadline.

Nashville could always try moving Stamkos in the offseason, and he may be more open to a change of scenery by then. However, his trade value may not be nearly as high then as it is right now, and the clock is ticking.