The Predators have shocked hockey fans and experts with how bad they've played this year, and one NHL insider has just confirmed Steven Stamkos' trade fate. <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl/news/steven-stamkos-signs-contract-with-nashville-predators' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>The Nashville Predators made a huge splash this summer during free agency</a>, landing deals with former Tampa Bay Lightning star Steven Stamkos, along with Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei. Many began to speculate that Nashville would emerge as a Stanly Cup contender within the ultra-competitive Western Conference, but 31 games into the regular season, the Predators are dead last in the West with an unfortunate record of 8-17-6. That has led to speculation that GM Barry Trotz might start a rebuild. Veteran <a href='https://www.nhl.com/predators/player/steven-stamkos-8474564' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Steven Stamkos</a> has been thought of as a potential trade chip, but one insider shot down that notion. Marco D'Amico adds that the Predators are out on any Stamkos deal and are now in on Sabres young forward Dylan <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/nashville-predators/predators-gm-barry-trotz-eyes-huge-move-after-slow-start-with-steven-stamkos' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Cozens as they look for depth up the middle</a>. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/mndamico/status/1868656204555354131'> </a></blockquote></div> If the 23-year-old Dylan Cozens lands with Nashville, they'd first have to join a crowded race to land him, but perhaps the move gives them the boost they need to turn the corner. Steven Stamkos hasn't recaptured that pre-injury form, scoring only eight goals and 16 points in 31 games. Considering the roster boasts several players who are supposed to be playing at an elite level, it's very shocking to see this team start to struggle out of the gates. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/HockeyDaily365/status/1863043012294537513'> </a></blockquote></div> That said, Nashville appears more focused on adding around this core, not blowing it up entirely. Hanging on to Stamkos and Ryan O'Reilly could be key in staying in the playoff hunt, in addition to continuing to bring in more center depth.