Nashville secures a vital piece of their future, locking up the young center to solidify a revamped top six alongside stars Steven Stamkos and Filip Forsberg.
Nearing the player arbitration deadline, the Nashville Predators were able to get a deal done with Mavrik Bourque, signing the center to a six-year, $33 million contract with a $5.5 million annual hit on Saturday.
It is the fourth most expensive forward contract AAV the Predators currently have behind Jonathan Marchessault ($5.5 million), Steven Stamkos ($8 million) and Filip Forsberg ($8.5 million).
The 5-foot-11, 24-year-old righty was acquired in the trade with the Dallas Stars, along with defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin, that sent a 2027 second-round pick and a 2028 third-round pick to the Stars.
Bourque became a restricted free agent after reaching the end of a one-year, $950,000 contract, which was an extension after his entry-level contract had expired.
This past season, Bourque recorded 41 points off 20 goals and 21 assists in 82 games, primarily from the Stars' middle six. His entrance into the Predators lineup gives them a much-needed depth bump from the third and second lines.
Bourque is currently projected to center the second line with Forsberg at right wing and Marchessault at left wing.
This is the sixth signing that Chris MacFarland has made since he took over as the Predators' general manager on June 2.
Nashville Predators 2026 Signings
June 28: C Jack Drury to a 5-year, $22.5 million contract
July 1: C Alex Kerfoot to a 2-year, $7 million contract
July 1: D Jack Ahcan to a 2-year, $1.75 million contract
July 1: D Hunter Skinner to a 1-year, $850,000 contract
July 3: LW Chase Bradley to a 2-year, $1.75 million contract
July 4: C Mavrik Bourque to a 5-year, $33 million contract
