This would be a STEAL for the Toronto Maple Leafs… Coming into the 2025/26 season, the Maple Leafs had a void to fill on their top line with the departure of Mitch Marner.
As mentioned in a previous article, general manager Brad Treliving would be looking to add to the top six, and with MLSE CEO Keith Pelley giving the green light for Treliving to make a splash, one player’s name has come to the forefront, and that is Steven Stamkos of the Nashville Predators.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on Friday on the DMase, Vingan, & Daunic Podcast that there is a possibility that Stamkos and the Predators work out options on a trade. “If this continues the way it’s going, I could see a situation where both sides sit down and talk and say, what are our options here,” says Friedman.
Stamkos is in his second year with Nashville after signing a four-year, $8 million contract on July 1, 2024. The Markham, Ontario, native had a decent first year with the Predators, playing in all 82 games and putting up 53 points. This season has been a different story, as he has struggled, only putting up two points in nine games.
Why The Leafs Should be All Over Stamkos
It is no secret that the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to add a top-six winger in their lineup to play alongside Matthew Knies and Auston Matthews. Stamkos could be an excellent fit for the Leafs. At 35, he still has game left, and playing with elite players like he did in Tampa can help him find his form again.
Steven Stamkos brings a winning pedigree, having won two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021. He would also bring much-needed clutch scoring and more veteran leadership to the locker room.
What Could a Trade Look Like?
If Toronto and Nashville were to strike a deal, it would involve some salary retention from Nashville, potentially at 21%, which would be $1.7 million. In exchange, Toronto would send Nick Robertson, who makes $1.8 million, Calle Jarnkrok, who is in the final year of his $2.1 million contract, and David Kampf, who has two years left at $2.4 million. I can see Toronto throwing in a pick to sweeten the offer.
In conclusion, I feel this would be a beneficial trade for both teams, as each fills a need they are desperately trying to address. Only time will tell if something happens between now and the March 6 trade deadline.
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