Maple Leafs Set to Land Steven Stamkos from Predators in $60M Blockbuster Coup
In a seismic move that could redefine the Toronto Maple Leafs’ roster and championship ambitions, the franchise is reportedly on the verge of landing veteran superstar Steven Stamkos from the Nashville Predators in a blockbuster coup worth $60 million.
According to multiple league insiders, the Leafs are finalizing a trade that would see the former first-overall pick and Toronto native return home in exchange for three draft picks, a high-upside prospect, and a veteran defenseman—believed to be Morgan Rielly. The deal marks a bold strategy by both franchises, each looking to shake up their respective cores heading into the 2025-26 NHL season.
Stamkos Returns Home
Stamkos, 35, is currently in the second year of a four-year, $32 million contract he signed with Nashville after a surprising exit from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Despite his age, the seasoned center has continued to deliver offensively, tallying 27 goals and 26 assists for a respectable 53 points in the 2024-25 campaign.
Widely considered one of the elite scorers of his generation, Stamkos brings not only leadership and playoff experience but also a proven scoring touch that the Maple Leafs are sorely lacking beyond their top line.
“Steven Stamkos is a game-changer,” said one NHL executive familiar with the negotiations. “If this goes through, the Maple Leafs instantly become a more complete team—especially if they end up parting ways with Mitch Marner.”
Filling the Void
With Marner’s future in Toronto uncertain and speculation swirling around a potential offseason trade, Stamkos would provide an ideal replacement. He could slot in seamlessly on the wing alongside Auston Matthews or anchor a desperately needed second line as center.
“Toronto has long struggled with forward depth in the playoffs,” said TSN analyst Darren Dreger. “Bringing in someone like Stamkos—who knows how to win and perform in clutch moments—is exactly the kind of gamble that could push them over the edge.”
The Cost of a Star
While the acquisition comes with a hefty $60 million total valuation when factoring in salary, retained cap hits, and long-term assets being shipped out, insiders believe the deal is a win-win for both sides. Nashville gains valuable future pieces and clears cap space for a younger core, while Toronto bets big on short-term success.
Morgan Rielly, the veteran defenseman expected to be part of the deal, has spent his entire career with the Leafs and was one of the few remaining links to the team’s past rebuild. Though still productive, Rielly’s move gives Toronto more flexibility on the blue line while giving the Predators a reliable presence in their defensive corps.
A Statement of Intent
Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving has faced mounting pressure to reshape the team after another disappointing playoff exit. This potential acquisition of Stamkos would signal that the team is all-in on winning now—and willing to make daring moves to get there.
With official confirmation expected in the coming days, Leafs fans can begin to imagine a 2025-26 roster featuring a hometown hero and a shot at long-awaited postseason glory.
