The Dallas Stars have made their second move ahead of the NHL trade deadline, acquiring forward Michael Bunting from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a 2026 third-round draft pick. This deal, reported by ESPN’s Ryan S. Clark, comes on the heels of the Stars picking up defenseman Tyler Myers from the Vancouver Canucks. [1] [2]
Bunting brings scoring punch and versatility to a Stars team riding a 10-game winning streak. With the deadline looming at 3 p.m. ET on Friday, Dallas continues to fortify its roster amid key injuries.
Trade details and Bunting’s contract
Dallas sent a conditional 2026 third-round pick to Nashville for the 30-year-old winger. Bunting is in the final year of a three-year, $4.5 million AAV contract he signed previously.
This modest price tag reflects Nashville’s position as sellers. The Predators, clinging to wild-card hopes, opted for draft capital over retaining Bunting’s services.
The acquisition pairs nicely with the Stars’ earlier deal for Myers. As detailed in our coverage of the Tyler Myers trade, Dallas is addressing needs on both ends of the ice.
Bunting’s impending unrestricted free agency adds intrigue. He could re-sign with Dallas or test the market next summer.
Few details emerged on salary retention. Nashville likely ate none, given the low return.
The move underscores GM Jim Nill’s aggressive approach. Dallas holds the second spot in the Central Division.
Bunting’s performance this season
Bunting has tallied 13 goals and 31 points in 61 games for Nashville this year.[3] His production includes 18 assists, though a minus-17 rating highlights defensive struggles.
A two-way forward, Bunting excels in top-nine minutes. Scouts praise his physicality and net-front presence on the power play.
Earlier in the season, he notched key goals during Nashville’s brief hot streaks. His shot volume remains consistent at NHL levels.
Career-wise, Bunting has evolved from agitator to reliable scorer. Previous stints with Toronto and Pittsburgh showcased his playoff grit.
Dallas eyes him for second-unit power play duties. His 13 goals tie him for solid mid-tier production.
Versatility allows line shuffling. He can slot with skill players or grinders effectively.
Impact on Stars’ injury-depleted forward corps
The Stars entered Thursday with three forwards on injured reserve: Radek Faksa, Roope Hintz, and Mikko Rantanen. Tyler Seguin, sidelined since December with a knee injury, will miss the rest of the season.[4]
Faksa’s absence leaves bottom-six depth thin. Hintz remains day-to-day, per recent updates.
Rantanen’s injury adds star power void. The Finnish sniper has been crucial since joining Dallas.
Seguin’s LTIR placement caps salary flexibility. His 27 games underscored the loss.
Bunting fills a top-nine hole immediately. His addition eases pressure on remaining healthy forwards.
Dallas’ 38-14-9 record proves resilience. The 10-game streak highlights depth and goaltending.
Check the latest Stars injury report on ESPN for updates heading into Friday’s Avalanche matchup.
Predators’ ongoing fire sale
Nashville sits at 27-26-8, five points behind Seattle for the Western wild-card spot. A three-game skid and five losses in six have forced management’s hand.
Prior deals sent Nick Blankenburg, Michael McCarron, and Cole Smith packing for picks. Bunting marks the latest exit.
The Preds prioritize rebuild assets. Draft capital stocks the pipeline amid middling results.
For deeper analysis on Nashville’s season turnaround efforts, see our recent breakdown.
Barry Trotz’s squad eyes youth infusion. Trades signal a pivot from contention.
Losing Bunting hurts scoring depth. Yet, future picks offer long-term upside.
Central Division implications and Stars’ momentum
Dallas trails Colorado by six points but holds games in hand. Friday’s home clash with the Avs looms large.
Bunting bolsters playoff push. His grit fits Pete DeBoer’s system.
Myers strengthens blue line post-trade. Combined, these moves elevate contenders.
Central remains brutal. Winnipeg and others lurk, but Stars’ streak sets tone.
As the deadline nears amid a stagnant market, Dallas positions as Cup threats.
Rantanen’s return could ignite further. Hintz’s health is key.
Bunting’s stats page on NHL.com reveals untapped potential in Dallas.
The Stars’ proactive deadline shopping signals championship intent. Despite injuries, their record screams contender. Bunting’s arrival deepens an already potent attack, setting up a thrilling stretch run toward playoffs. What it means: Dallas emerges stronger, with eyes on dethroning the Avalanche in the Central.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.