DALLAS – The Dallas Stars added some grit and offensive potential to their lineup Thursday night, acquiring forward Michael Bunting from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. The pick is reportedly the one originally belonging to the Seattle Kraken, obtained in a previous trade involving Mason Marchment, according to multiple reports. This move, coming as teams prepare for a busy trade deadline on Friday, signals the Stars’ intent to bolster their roster for a deep playoff run. The acquisition of Bunting addresses a require for versatility up front as Dallas continues to contend for the Stanley Cup.
The Predators, meanwhile, are clearly in a selling mode, shedding assets as they navigate a challenging season. This trade is the latest in a series of moves suggesting a rebuild is underway in Nashville. The team is reportedly fielding calls on several other veteran players, including Jonathan Marchessault, Steven Stamkos, and Ryan O’Reilly, indicating a willingness to dismantle parts of their current roster for future assets. The team entered Thursday with a record of 28-27-9.
Bunting’s Journey to Dallas
Bunting, 30, has had a somewhat nomadic NHL career, but has consistently produced offensively. He’s in the final year of a three-year contract with an average annual value of $4.5 million, originally signed with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2023. From Carolina, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins before landing in Nashville last year. This season with the Predators, Bunting has registered 13 goals and 18 assists for 31 points in 61 games, averaging 14:47 of ice time per game and seeing time on the second power-play unit.
Prior to his time with the Predators, Bunting had a breakout season with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2021-22, earning a Calder Trophy nomination after recording 63 points in 79 games. He has also played for the Arizona Coyotes. Throughout his 405-game NHL career, Bunting has amassed 108 goals and 250 points. His ability to play both wings and contribute in various roles makes him a valuable addition to any team.
Stars’ Rationale and Cap Situation
The Stars, currently second in the Pacific Division with a 38-14-9 record, entered Thursday with over $6.4 million in cap space, allowing them to absorb Bunting’s salary without significant maneuvering. According to reports, Nashville did not retain any salary in the deal. The addition of Bunting, alongside recent acquisition of defenseman Chris Tanev, suggests Dallas feels confident in its current core but sought to add depth and versatility before the playoffs.
Analysts have noted that the Stars may still be looking for a right-handed shot to replace Tyler Seguin, who is currently injured, but Bunting’s arrival provides immediate help and adds another dimension to their forward group. The Stars have won 10 games in a row, and appear content with their current roster composition.
The Draft Pick and Seattle’s Involvement
The third-round pick heading to Nashville originated with the Seattle Kraken as part of the trade that sent Mason Marchment to the Dallas Stars. This adds another layer to the transaction, highlighting the interconnectedness of trades within the NHL. The Kraken’s involvement underscores how teams often utilize draft picks as valuable assets in reshaping their rosters.
What’s Next for Both Teams
For the Stars, the focus now shifts to integrating Bunting into their lineup and preparing for the stretch run to the playoffs. The team will be looking for Bunting to provide a spark offensively and contribute to their already potent attack.
The Predators, are expected to continue exploring trade options for their veteran players. The team’s management is clearly prioritizing future assets and is willing to part with established players to accelerate their rebuild. Fans in Nashville can anticipate further roster changes in the coming days as the trade deadline approaches. The Predators are actively listening to offers for Marchessault, Stamkos, and O’Reilly, according to reports.
The NHL trade deadline is Friday, and further moves from both the Stars and Predators are certainly possible. Fans can follow live coverage of the deadline across various platforms, including RDS.ca, which is hosting a special broadcast starting at 7 a.m. ET.
This trade, like many others leading up to the deadline, demonstrates the complex calculations teams make as they balance present competitiveness with future potential. The Dallas Stars are betting that Michael Bunting can be a key piece of their playoff puzzle, while the Nashville Predators are laying the groundwork for a new era.
Share your thoughts on the Bunting trade and the Predators’ fire sale in the comments below.
