NHL trade rumors: Insider links Steven Stamkos to Canadiens, with $34,800,000 forward's imminent exit

Veteran Steven Stamkos is in his second season with the Nashville Predators after signing a four-year, $32 million deal in July last year.

Stamkos is off to a rough start this season, tallying just one goal and two points in 13 games. Meanwhile, the Predators (5-6-2) are also struggling, sitting sixth in the Central Division.

Steven Stamkos’ slow start to the season has raised questions about his future in Nashville. NHL insider Jeff Marek linked Stamkos to the likes of the Montreal Canadiens.

With Patrik Laine, currently signed to a $34.8 million contract, potentially out for four to five months due to injury, the Canadiens could be curious about the veteran. He also linked the veteran to the Vancouver Canucks.

"I could wonder about the Canucks, and I could wonder now that Patrik Laine is out, I could wonder about the Canadiens too; something probably has to give here - Sekeres & Price," Merek said via NHL Rumour Report.

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Jeff Marek: Re Steven Stamkos rumours: I could wonder about the Canucks, and I could wonder now that Patrik Laine is out, I could wonder about the Canadiens too; something probably has to give here - Sekeres & Price (11/1)

Stamkos holds a full no-trade clause, giving him veto power over any deal. He will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2027-28 season. According to rumors, a return to the Tampa Bay Lightning also cannot be ruled out for the 35-year-old.

How has Steven Stamkos fared with the Nashville Predators?

Steven Stamkos joined the Nashville Predators as a free agent in July last year after spending 16 seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He had a disappointing first season with the Predators, scoring a career-low 27 goals and 53 points in 82 games.

It marked a sharp decline from his 40 goals and 81 points in 79 games with the Bolts the prior year. With 28 goals and 27 assists in 95 games for the Predators, Stamkos has amassed 55 career points.

During his 16-year spell with the Lightning, he notched 1,137 points through 555 goals and 582 assists in 1,082 games. Stamkos also won the Stanley Cup twice with the Lightning.