Report: Predators’ Stamkos says there’s ‘zero’ chance he’ll waive no-movement clause
One of the biggest names isn’t planning on leaving the Music City anytime soon.
When speaking to the media on Friday, Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos refuted a report from Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic that he’d be willing to waive his no-move clause in order to be traded to an honest playoff contender before next Friday’s trade deadline.
Stamkos told reporters that there’s a “zero” chance that he would waive the key part to his eight-year contract to leave the Predators.
“I haven’t talked to [GM Barry Trotz] at all about that,” Stamkos said.
Stamkos and the Predators are in an interesting spot. They might not have been considered favorites to make it to the Stanley Cup Playoffs this year, especially after a disastrous 2024-25 campaign. Yet, as teams come out of the Olympic break, Nashville is right on the cusp of a Wild Card spot in the ever-tight Western Conference.
Stamkos understands that speculation is part of the deal around this time of year, but knows that he likes his current digs.
“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.”
Last season, Stamkos’ first in Smashville, the team failed to meet expectations after Trotz went out and had a “successful” offseason, signing the likes of Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault to long-term deals. However, Nashville ended up finishing seventh in the Central Division, 28 points out of a Wild Card spot.
Now, with 24 games left in the 2025-26 regular season, Stamkos recognizes that the team is right in the thick of a postseason push.
“We want to play in meaningful hockey games and we’re playing in meaningful hockey games right now.”
The Markham, Ont. native is having a productive season. After scoring 53 points in 2024-25, Stamkos has scored 29 goals and 45 points in 58 games thus far.
The Predators (27-24-7) are fifth in the Central Division, two points back of the Seattle Kraken for the last Wild Card spot.