Could the Predators really bring Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov back together in Nashville?
That idea is now in the conversation after Kucherov reportedly wants out of Tampa Bay, reopening the possibility of a reunion with the former Lightning teammate who helped define one of the NHL’s most successful duos. For years, Stamkos and Kucherov were tied to Tampa Bay’s championship run, and the question now is whether Nashville could become the next stop for both of them to share the ice again.
From a pure hockey standpoint, Kucherov would give the Predators exactly what they’ve been missing. Nashville has had a rough time producing at 5-on-5, with just 18 goals in that situation, which ranks fifth-lowest in the league. Kucherov’s track record at even strength makes the fit obvious: last season, 35 of his 44 goals came at even strength, and 57 of his 86 assists did too.
He’s also been one of the league’s biggest individual forces over the last several seasons. Kucherov has taken either the Art Ross Trophy or the Hart Trophy in each of his last three seasons, and his playoff résumé speaks for itself.
He’s off to another strong start this year as well, with four goals and 15 points in his first 12 games.
But this isn’t a simple fit-and-forget situation for Nashville. The Predators already have Ryan O'Reilly, Ross Colton, Matthew Wood, and half of the current defensive core due for new contracts for the 2027-28 season, which creates a real financial squeeze. That makes a long-term commitment to Kucherov far from straightforward.
It also raises the biggest concern of all: bringing him in could push the Predators deeper into an aging core instead of helping them turn the page. There’s real risk in choosing the win-now route here, especially if it means giving up assets that could be used to build for the future.
And if Nashville does go after Kucherov, it may come at the expense of fixing the blue line. The Predators’ defense has been lacking so far this season, and adding another high-profile forward could make it even harder to address that need.
Earlier this week, Diandra Loux of The Hockey News - Tampa Bay noted how much Kucherov admires Stamkos from their time together in Tampa Bay. If that admiration leads to something bigger, the two could find themselves reunited in a new city after all.
In Other News...
Predators Trade Talk Just Ran Into One Big Skjei Problem
The trade market around Brady Skjei is starting to get a little complicated, and that matters for a Predators team that could use movement as it shapes the next phase of its roster. Several clubs are said to be circling the defenseman market, but not every buyer is looking for the same kind of add. Vancouver, for example, is exploring ways to move veteran pieces like Jake DeBrusk, Drew OConnor, Filip Chytil and Luke Schenn in hopes of landing younger NHL-proven talent, while Toronto is also watching for difference-makers as it works around its cap situation.
For Nashville, the issue is less about interest than fit. Skjei remains the type of player teams want in theory, but the price tag attached to him has narrowed the field and turned any possible deal into a tougher sell than a simple hockey decision. If the Predators are going to find a partner, they may need the right club, the right timing and a willingness to sort through a complicated contract picture first. [Read more 🡒]