General Manager Chris McFarland could jumpstart Nashville’s rebuild by flipping Steven Stamkos to a contender, leveraging a chaotic trade market to maximize returns and reshape the roster.
The Nashville Predators have a chance to take advantage of the Dylan Larkin trade market.
As of right now, the reports are that Larkin has submitted a three-team trade list. However, there are well over a dozen teams that could be interested in him. Which is where the Predators come into the conversation.
They could capitalize on the trade market and sell high on Steven Stamkos. Obviously, he'd still need to sign off on the trade, as he carries a no-movement clause. But if it were a contending team like his former team, the Tampa Bay Lightning, or even the Vegas Golden Knights. He could agree to the trade, which would allow the Predators to maximize their return and kick-start their rebuild.
Their newly hired GM Chris McFarland has the chance to put his own stamp on this team, and that could start with a massive trade including Stamkos as early as the 2026 NHL Draft.
It is clear that the Predators will want to go in a different direction, and Stamkos could be one of the names high on that list. Despite a strong season this past season, it just hasn't worked in Nashville. Which could lead to him being more willing to accept a trade if it means a better chance at contending for a Stanley Cup again.
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