Steven Stamkos heartbroken as Predators trade two teammates in one night

It was a tough night on and off the ice for the Nashville Predators.

On Tuesday, forward Michael McCarron was traded to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a 2028 second-round pick. He had been listed as a healthy scratch against the Columbus Blue Jackets for “roster management purposes,” with the deal announced shortly after.

But that wasn’t the end of it.

Forward Cole Smith began the night fully expecting to play, and technically, he did. Smith logged just three seconds in Nashville’s 3-2 loss to Columbus before being pulled from the game. Shortly after the final horn, the Predators dealt him to the Vegas Golden Knights for a 2028 third-round pick and prospect Christoffer Sedoff.

Two teammates gone in a matter of hours.

Star forward Steven Stamkos was interviewed during the intermission, looking visibly dejected as the reality of deadline season hit the room in real time. It’s the business side of hockey… but that doesn’t make it easier.

The Predators’ dressing room felt the impact Tuesday night, and the emotion was written all over Stamkos’ face.