The Nashville Predators are facing a challenge in determining Steven Stamkos’ optimal role on the team for the 2025-26 season. 
After a somewhat disappointing first year with the Predators, Stamkos is now looking for stability in the lineup. The expectations were high when he joined Nashville, particularly following GM Barry Trotz’s significant free agency moves, but despite ranking third in team points, the Predators struggled overall, finishing near the bottom of the standings.
From the start of his Nashville tenure, the team had difficulty finding chemistry with their new additions. Stamkos, in particular, was under the microscope, with his first point coming only after five games. The early part of his season saw him constantly shuffled around the lineup, unable to establish a consistent role. By the time the team had played 10 games, Stamkos had just one goal, and the Predators were off to a 3-6-1 start. He spent time with various linemates, including Tommy Novak, Jonathan Marchessault, and Colton Sissons, but the combinations rarely stuck.
One experiment saw Stamkos briefly line up on the top line alongside Filip Forsberg and Marchessault, but this lasted only 1:05 of ice time in Stamkos’ third game. In his fifth game, the lines changed again, and he played center with Luke Evangelista and Novak for 9:35. It became evident that Head Coach Andrew Brunette was struggling to find the right fit for Stamkos.
The most consistent line featuring Stamkos saw him alongside Forsberg and Marchessault for 304 minutes, though this combination was less productive than others, like Forsberg, Ryan O’Reilly, and Gustav Nyquist.
With O’Reilly’s solid chemistry with Forsberg, it’s not clear if Stamkos will be placed at center, where the Predators lack depth, or on the wing, which some feel is a better fit for him at this stage in his career. The question of whether Stamkos can assume a top-line role also hinges on the development of young center Fedor Svechkov. If Svechkov is ready to handle the 2C role, Stamkos may stay on the wing. However, if Svechkov struggles, the team might have to give Stamkos more responsibility at center.
If Svechkov doesn’t step up, the Predators could face even more uncertainty. A potential fallback option would be moving Stamkos to center with Forsberg and Marchessault, shifting O’Reilly to the second line, but that would leave the second line in flux, which isn’t an ideal situation.
Ultimately, Stamkos’ success in Year 2 will depend heavily on how well he performs with consistent linemates, especially since his power play contributions were strong in his first season. For the Predators to make the most of Stamkos, they’ll need him to shoot more—his shot attempts dropped significantly from his last year in Tampa Bay.
If the lineup shuffle continues, it could limit Stamkos’ effectiveness. A potential bright spot could be him mentoring Svechkov, helping the young center grow while contributing alongside a future Hall of Famer.
No Comment! Be the first one.