Steven Stamkos to the Kings? Nazem Kadri to the Canadiens? Could the Blackhawks trade some of their veterans with term left on their contracts? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
COULD THE KINGS PURSUE STEVEN STAMKOS TO REPLACE KEVIN FIALA?
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau suggested the Los Angeles Kings should look into acquiring Steven Stamkos from the Nashville Predators.
The Kings’ playoff hopes suffered a devastating hit when scoring winger Kevin Fiala suffered a season-ending leg injury in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Proteau thinks the 36-year-old Stamkos could help them replace Fiala’s offense.
Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos (NHL Images)
Stamkos carries an $8 million average annual value, which nearly aligns with Fiala’s $7.875 million. He wouldn’t be a rental player because he has two more years on his contract. Stamkos also has a full no-movement clause, giving him complete control over his situation.
If the Predators become sellers at the March 6 trade deadline, Stamkos might fetch the type of return that speeds up their rebuild/retool. Should he become available, he could provide a boost to the Kings’ offense.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Kings have over $15 million in projected trade deadline cap space. General manager Ken Holland already made a big move by acquiring playmaking winger Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers earlier this month.
Following that deal, Holland hinted that he might not be finished making moves before the trade deadline. Losing Fiala could send him back into the trade market for another scoring forward. Adding a resurgent Stamkos might not be a bad short-term plan if he and Panarin mesh well offensively.
Predators GM Barry Trotz reportedly hasn’t received any offers yet that would motivate him to approach Stamkos about waiving his no-movement clause. Even then, there’s no certainty he wants to be moved, or would accept going to Los Angeles.
WOULD ACQUIRING NAZEM KADRI BE A BAD DECISION FOR THE CANADIENS?
TVA SPORTS: Renaud Lavoie recently noted the trade speculation linking the Montreal Canadiens to Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri. However, he doesn’t believe it would be in the club’s long-term interest to add the 35-year-old to their roster.
Lavoie believes the Canadiens had an interest in Kadri, but that didn’t mean a trade would happen. He felt Kadri’s age would be an issue, suggesting he might only help the Canadiens for a season or two before his play declines significantly.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oliver Kapanen’s performance on the Canadiens’ second line has lessened the need to acquire a center. If they were to pursue one, they might prefer someone who fits within their young core, such as 26-year-old Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues.
THE LATEST BLACKHAWKS SPECULATION
THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers recently responded to some of his readers’ questions about the Chicago Blackhawks’ plans for the upcoming NHL trade deadline.
Powers doesn’t see the Blackhawks trading veterans who have term remaining on their contracts, such as Tyler Bertuzzi, Teuvo Teravainen, or Andre Burakovsky. They’re banking on their respective salary-cap hits to help them reach the cap floor next season.
Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy is UFA-eligible and is garnering some interest in the trade market. Peters considered it doubtful that they would get a second-round pick for him, suggesting a third-rounder seems more likely.