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 the struggles in Nashville.
However, due to the emergence of Stamkos after early season struggles, the Predators have turned things around.
Now, Stamkos is on pace to score 41 goals by the end of the season, and has scored 29 goals in 58 games so far.
The Predators are sitting out of the 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 in Nashville is coming to an end, and the Predators organization could be headed in a whole new direction.
Thus, insider Pierre LeBrun revealed to TSN Insider Trading that although Stamkos is happy to stay where he is, he and his agent have prepared destinations for which the 35-year-old sniper would consider waiving his full no-move clause.
“Steven Stamkos has an absolute no-move clause,” LeBrun began. "Here's what's happening. He controls his destiny 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 says, 'We have some offers on the table,' I'm told Stamkos and his camp have prepared themselves. And they've prepared themselves by making a list of preferred destinations. I'm told that's at the top of the list. There's Tampa Bay, then Dallas, and then Minnesota. There are three teams on that list.
Although the Lightning, Stars and Wild top Stamkos' list, there is another team the sniper will consider.
“To some extent, New Jersey,” LeBrun said. "The Devils tried to sign him two years ago. But, of course, it's the Lightning, Stars and Wild. Keep in mind, I think this is more likely a summer discussion, a summer trade. But, prepare yourself for that possibility."
So, here's the thing. Clearly, the Devils are not making the postseason this year. This will be the beginning of a summer in New Jersey in which one will have to evaluate what went wrong in a year where expectations were so high.
Those evaluations will also include GM and head coach Sheldon Keefe.
Fitzgerald's previous interest in Stamkos is well documented. It is logical for the devils to also be interested in it. They currently rank last among the 32 NHL clubs in goals-per-game (2.46), and Stamkos brings a huge source of firepower.
Here's what we know. New Jersey Hockey Now has learned that although the 2025-26 season was a complete failure, management believes it is a blip on the radar.
The belief is that with the right retool, they can come back and compete next season, especially under the leadership of Jack Hughes – who, supposedly, has to stay healthy.
The Devils have been looking for the right player for a very long time to be their franchise forward and skate on a proper first line in New Jersey with Jesper Bratt.
Hughes and Bratt feeding Stamkos the puck to shoot makes all the sense in the world. However, it depends on the cost acquisition. In fact, it also depends on who will decide when the season ends.
So yes. New Jersey's current management is still interested in Stamkos' services. They are more outside candidates than the three teams LeBrun has named as frontrunners.
Still, depending on who is in charge this summer – as long as Stamkos remains in Nashville – the potential next GM may have an entirely different idea about Stamkos.
