The Nashville Predators are back in action after the Olympic break, and with them comes one of the most intriguing decisions in the NHL: do they make a push for the playoffs or trade away one of the league’s most coveted assets—Steven Stamkos?
Despite the rumors, Steven Stamkos is adamant that his priorities have not changed.
In a recent interview with The Athletic, the veteran NHL star made it clear that his main concern is helping Nashville win games, not speculating about potential trades. Nevertheless, with the trade deadline rapidly approaching and playoff contenders looking to bolster their scoring, the situation surrounding the veteran forward is rapidly becoming one of the most intriguing storylines in the league.
Playoff push vs. trade value presents defining moment for Nashville Predators’ season
Steven Stamkos’ resurgence is the key reason why his name is at the forefront of trade rumors. However, any potential trade comes with one huge caveat. Steven Stamkos has a full no-movement clause, giving him the ultimate say in whether a trade occurs or not. He even acknowledged this fact, saying he has not been asked to waive the clause and is not spending time thinking about what could potentially happen. This gives the veteran a lot of control over what happens in the next two weeks.
As far as the Predators are concerned, this is a tough decision.
His $8 million cap hit was once considered a problem, but his goal-scoring has come back around, making the contract much more palatable for teams looking for a short-term boost. With two years left after this season, any team that trades for him is essentially taking a chance that he can continue scoring at a 30-goal pace well into his 30s, a risk some teams may be willing to take to make a playoff run.
Meanwhile, in the locker room, the emphasis is still on the bottom line.
Unlike a year ago, the Predators are playing important late-season games, just what Stamkos had in mind when he signed his deal. With 25 games left in the season, the Predators’ playoff chances are still alive, and every point may be crucial in determining whether they are buyers, sellers, or hold steady.
For Stamkos, at least for now, the message is simple: win games and let the front office take care of the rest. Whether he is still playing in Nashville or is the big fish of the trade deadline, Stamkos’ play down the stretch may have a big impact not only on the Predators’ future but also on the entire NHL playoff race.
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