February 28, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Nashville Predators left winger Michael Bunting (58) celebrates scoring a power play goal against Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Ottinger (29) in the first period at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Image The Dallas Stars added another veteran forward in overtime on Thursday, acquiring forward Michael Bunting from the Nashville Predators for a third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Bunting, 30, brings edge and productivity to an already growing team. He reached the final year of his contract with 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists) in 61 games this season and is approaching unrestricted free agency after the playoffs.
“Michael is a tremendous addition to our roster,” said Stars general manager Jim Nill. “His goal-scoring ability combined with his physicality makes him very difficult to play against. We look forward to seeing him on the ice in Dallas.”
The 2026 third-round pick that Nashville received in the trade originally belonged to the Seattle Kraken and was acquired when the Stars traded Mason Marchment.
The Stars come amid a franchise-best 10-game winning streak that leaves them in second place in the Central Division and chasing the first-place Colorado Avalanche in the West. This is also Dallas’ second trade in two days after acquiring defenseman Tyler Myers from the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday.
Bunting joins his sixth NHL team after playing for the Arizona Coyotes (2018-2021), Toronto Maple Leafs (201-2023), Carolina Hurricanes (2023-2024), Pittsburgh Penguins (2024-2025) and Predators. He scored 108 goals and 142 assists over 405 career games.
For Nashville, it’s the latest sign that the club is prioritizing a capital draft over a late push. The Predators are five points out of the West’s playoff line and have recently traded several players from their active roster, including Cole Smith, Michael McCarron and Nick Blankenburg.
–Field level media
