Predators continue fire sale, trade F Michael Bunting to Stars

The Dallas Stars added another veteran forward for their stretch run Thursday, acquiring forward Michael Bunting from the Nashville Predators for a third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

Bunting, 30, brings edge and production to a team that's already rolling. He has 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists) in 61 games this season and arrives in the final year of his contract, with unrestricted free agency looming after the playoffs.

"Michael is a tremendous addition to our roster," Stars general manager Jim Nill said. "His goal-scoring ability mixed with physicality makes him extremely tough to play against. We are looking forward to seeing him on the ice in Dallas."

The third-round pick in 2026 that Nashville received in the deal originally belonged to the Seattle Kraken and was acquired by the Stars when they traded Mason Marchment.

The Stars made the move amid a franchise-best 10-game winning streak, sitting second in the Central Division and chasing the Colorado Avalanche at the top of the Western standings. It's also the second trade in two days for Dallas after acquiring defenseman Tyler Myers from the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday.

Bunting joins his sixth NHL team after stints with the Arizona Coyotes (2018-2021), Toronto Maple Leafs (201-2023), Carolina Hurricanes (2023-2024), Pittsburgh Penguins (2024-2025), and the Predators. He has recorded 108 goals and 142 assists over 405 career games.

For Nashville, it's the latest sign that the club is prioritizing draft capital over making a late push. The Predators sit five points outside the West's playoff line and have traded multiple players off their active roster in recent days, including Cole Smith, Michael McCarron and Nick Blankenburg.

--Field Level Media