Predators' Stamkos Linked To Multiple Interesting Teams In Metro

The Nashville Predators aren't advertising a fire sale at the moment like they may have been earlier in the season, but they have moved out Spencer Stastney to the Edmonton Oilers ard have more players to trade, whether they're standing pat or selling.

Steven Stamkos has been one of the names heavily in trade rumors since last season. His contract isn't ideal and he has trade protection, so a trade would have to go through him. He has won two Stanley Cups, but that doesn't mean he isn't trying to win again and be on a competitive team. The biggest problem in trading him, even though he has had a great month-plus, is his last say in a trade.

That doesn't mean there isn't interest out there for the former Tampa Bay Lightning captain and 600-goal scorer. Frank Seravalli said, "You mentioned the Islanders. I could see that as a fit. I could see the Devils. TBD on Stamkos. I know he loves playing in Nashville."

For the New York Islanders, Bo Horvat just got injured and Kyle Palmieri has already had knee surgery. The team is down a couple of key players and they are playing much better than last season. The Islanders are second in their division and seven games over .500, avoiding the logjam in the wildcard race. They have had some nice surprises, but also need more scoring depth if they want to not only stay where they are, but have a chance in the playoffs. Stamkos' contract isn't too long, but there would have to be a little bit of work done to fit him in.

The New Jersey Devils are two points out of a playoff spot, but are four games over .500. They aren't having a bad season, just one that is worse than expected. The Devils don't have cap space, but they do have trade candidates they absolutely need to move and have been in trade rumors. New Jersey has been looking for forward upgrades for a while as it gets dark when Jack Hughes gets injured like he typically is each season for some time. Even though he is back, adding someone like Stamkos, who can score, would be a game-changer.