Stars Bolster Playoff Push, Acquire Forward Michael Bunting from Predators
FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Stars have added forward Michael Bunting to their roster ahead of the playoff push, acquiring him from the Nashville Predators in exchange for Seattle’s third-round pick in the 2026 draft. The Stars announced the trade Thursday, with forward Arttu Hyry being loaned to the Texas Stars (AHL) in a corresponding move. Bunting, 30, has recorded 13 goals and 31 points in 61 games this season with Nashville. The Stars have been dealing with injuries to key forwards Tyler Seguin (out for the season), Roope Hintz, and Mikko Rantanen, and Bunting is expected to slot into their lineup. The Predators, meanwhile, continue to accumulate draft capital as part of a larger sell-off, though some observers question the return for Bunting given recent trades involving other Nashville players.
Stars Bolster Playoff Push with Acquisition of Michael Bunting
Frisco, Texas – The Dallas Stars have significantly strengthened their forward depth, acquiring Michael Bunting from the Nashville Predators in exchange for Seattle’s third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
A Versatile Addition for Dallas
General Manager Jim Nill announced the trade on Tuesday, highlighting Bunting’s potential impact on the team’s playoff run. “Michael is a tremendous addition to our roster,” Nill stated. “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 30-year-old Bunting has registered 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists) in 61 games with Nashville this season, ranking third on the team in power-play goals. He brings a strong possession game to a Stars team navigating injuries to key players like Tyler Seguin, who is out for the remainder of the season, and Roope Hintz and Mikko Rantanen, who have been dealing with recent injuries.
Pro Tip: Acquiring a versatile forward like Bunting is a common strategy for contending teams approaching the playoffs. It provides flexibility in line combinations and adds scoring depth, crucial for navigating the intensity of postseason hockey.
Predators Prioritize Future Assets
For Nashville, the trade signifies a shift towards rebuilding and accumulating draft capital. Despite Bunting’s strong performance this season, the Predators opted to receive a draft pick in return, continuing a trend of selling off assets.
Nashville recently traded Michael McCarron to the Minnesota Wild for a second-round pick, demonstrating a willingness to prioritize future considerations. The Predators now possess 12 picks in the first three rounds of the next three NHL Drafts, providing significant flexibility for the next general manager.
Bunting’s Journey to Dallas
This marks Bunting’s fifth team in the last four seasons, having previously played for the Arizona Coyotes, Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes, and Pittsburgh Penguins. He was originally drafted by Arizona in the fourth round of the 2014 NHL Draft.
Bunting was acquired by the Predators last season, along with a fourth-round pick, from Pittsburgh in exchange for Thomas Novak and Luke Schenn. Across seven NHL seasons, he has amassed 250 points (108 goals, 142 assists) in 405 regular-season games.
FAQ
Q: What position does Michael Bunting play?
A: He is a left winger.
Q: What did the Stars give up to acquire Bunting?
A: They traded Seattle’s third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Q: Why did the Predators trade Bunting?
A: The Predators are focusing on accumulating draft picks for future team building.
Did you grasp? Michael Bunting was initially overlooked in the OHL Priority Selection for two consecutive years before being drafted by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
The Stars have also loaned forward Arttu Hyry to the Texas Stars, their AHL affiliate, in a corresponding move. Bunting’s arrival is expected to provide a significant boost to the Stars’ offensive capabilities as they prepare for a deep playoff run.
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