NHL Rumors: Predators Trying To Find Help For Steven Stamkos
As David Pagnotta told SiriusXM NHL Network Radio, Nashville has been searching for the right complementary pieces to jump-start Stamkos after a sluggish start.
Coach Andrew Brunette has already moved him back to center to increase touches, yet the team is still chasing the right mix on his wings and on the power play. At 35, Stamkos can still finish from his office, but he needs line mates who can win pucks, transport through the neutral zone, and feed him in rhythm.
Steven Stamkos last 6 games: 0 pts.
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) October 29, 2025
Just 1 goal, 2 pts on the season. Don't go out like this, Stammer. #Smashville
Predators testing lines to unlock Stamkos
Brunette admitted the club has struggled to find consistent chemistry for Stamkos since he arrived, which is why Nashville keeps tinkering with Luke Evangelista, Michael Bunting, and others beside him.
The center move boosts puck touches, yet shot volume remains the sticking point. His per-60 shot rate has dipped from Tampa levels, and without a reliable set-up man, those one-timers from the left circle are too rare.
Pagnotta’s read mirrors what the numbers and the eye test say: Nashville must supply Stamkos with true facilitators so he can focus on timing, space, and release rather than doing everything through the middle.
🚨 HOT TAKE 🚨
— Bleed Oil Blue (@BleedOilBlue) October 29, 2025
Should the Oilers take a swing on Steven Stamkos? 👀
He’s got just 1 goal this season… making $8 million a year with 3 years left on his deal — and turns 36 in February.
He had 27 goals last year.
What you think?
#Oilers #BleedOilBlue #LetsGoOilers #YEG… pic.twitter.com/WWsCRw2w7e
What Trotz and Brunette must add around him
Pagnotta framed this as a roster construction issue more than a pure age curve. Ryan O’Reilly is anchoring the top unit up the middle, and Nashville prefers Stamkos on the right side long term.
That means Barry Trotz needs to locate a driver who can carry entries and a retrieval winger who can extend cycles. Until those complementary pieces arrive or click internally, Nashville risks more low-event nights and an 8-million-dollar shooter stuck without prime looks.
Photo Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
