Nashville Predators veteran Steven Stamkos would prefer being dealt to the Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars, or Minnesota Wild if he's asked to waive his no-movement clause prior to the March 6 trade deadline, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reports.
Stamkos isn't asking out of Nashville, LeBrun notes, and a trade could be more likely in the offseason.
The 36-year-old is in the second season of a four-year, $32-million deal with the Predators. He signed in Nashville after a 16-year run in Tampa Bay in which he won two Stanley Cups and two "Rocket" Richard Trophies. The Predators would likely have to retain salary if Stamkos returned to the Lightning, as the club currently can't afford his $8-million cap hit.
The Wild are projected to have $12.3 million in deadline cap space according to PuckPedia, and have already been aggressive in adding talent this season after previously trading for Quinn Hughes. Minnesota's reported top priority leading up to the deadline is finding a center, which may rule out Stamkos as a fit. While he does have experience at that position, he's primarily been a winger in the later stages of his career.
The Stars can't fit Stamkos' full contract under the cap at the moment, but could have an extra $9.85 million in playoff cap space if Tyler Seguin remains on long-term injured reserve throughout the postseason.
The Predators returned from the Olympic break four points out of a wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Stamkos has been a key factor in the club's turnaround after a slow start, leading Nashville with 28 goals.
