The NHL has fined Nashville Predators forward Steven Stamkos $2,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct during a game against the Vegas Golden Knights. The incident involved Stamkos jabbing Golden Knights defenseman Jeremy Lauzon with his stick from the bench. The fine was announced on January 18, 2026, following the Predators' 7-2 loss on January 17.
On January 17, 2026, during NHL Game No. 765 in Las Vegas, the Nashville Predators suffered a 7-2 defeat to the Vegas Golden Knights, marking the Knights' seventh straight win. The game turned costly for Predators forward Steven Stamkos, who was later fined by the NHL Department of Player Safety.
At 3:21 of the second period, Golden Knights defenseman Jeremy Lauzon delivered a hit on Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault, sending him into the Nashville bench. From the bench, Stamkos jabbed Lauzon in the face with his stick. No penalty was called on the play during the game, but the league reviewed the incident and imposed a $2,500 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct, announced on January 18. The fine money will go to the NHL Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Stamkos, a 35-year-old veteran in his first season with Nashville after signing a four-year, $32 million contract in 2024, has recorded 21 goals and 12 assists in 48 games this season. In the loss to Vegas, he finished without a point and minus-3, ending a three-game scoring streak.
The Predators, holding a 23-21-4 record and fifth place in the Central Division, had won three straight games before the setback. They return to action on January 20, hosting the Buffalo Sabres to start a three-game homestand.
This marks a minor blemish on Stamkos' productive campaign with his new team, where he will be an unrestricted free agent in 2028.
