At the 2025 NHL trade deadline, the Nashville Predators acquired forward Michael Bunting and a 2026 fourth-round pick from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for defenseman Luke Schenn and forward Tommy Novak. Schenn was then quickly flipped by the Penguins to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick.
The Predators bringing in Bunting was a bit surprising, as they were already out of the playoff race at that point of the season. However, he will also be more than a rental for them, as he is signed until the end of the 2025-26 season, carrying a $4.5 million cap hit. Thus, the Predators are hoping that he can be a key part of their forward group as they aim to turn things around next season.
Bunting’s start with the Predators was quiet, as he had just four points in his first 13 games with the Central Division club. However, the 2014 fourth-round pick is heating up with the regular season nearing its conclusion.
Bunting is currently sporting a four-game point streak, where he has two goals, five points, and a plus-5 rating over that span. This includes scoring a goal in the Predators’ most recent matchup against the Utah Hockey Club on April 14.
Bunting has shown throughout his career that he can be an impactful offensive contributor when playing at his best, and the Predators are starting to see that. It will be fascinating to see if he can finish the season on a strong note in the Predators’ season finale against the Dallas Stars on April 16 from here.
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