Michael Bunting (© Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/13283393-6462-41c1-a9f8-b0444b344ae2.jpeg] Michael Bunting (© Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images) At the 2025 NHL trade deadline, the Nashville Predators [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/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. Recent Predators News Predators Call Up Promising Prospect Defenseman [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/05e19e94-ebb5-4537-8487-8e573dfd7d6e.jpeg] Predators Call Up Promising Prospect Defenseman The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators">Nashville Predators</a> have <a href="https://x.com/PredsNHL/status/1911902346847699170?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet">announced that</a> they have recalled defenseman Ryan Ufko from their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals. In addition, the team announced that Ufko will make his NHL debut during the Predators' April 14 contest against the Utah Hockey Club. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/predators-call-up-promising-prospect-defenseman] Predators Top Prospect Is Heating Up In AHL [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/16876667-7be6-4b82-a0d1-7134976af5ef.jpeg] Predators Top Prospect Is Heating Up In AHL <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators">Nashville Predators</a> prospect Joakim Kemell is considered one of the team's most promising youngsters. The 20-year-old forward is continuing to develop his game at the American Hockey League (AHL) level with the Milwaukee Admirals and is in the middle of a solid season that saw him play in the 2025 AHL All-Star Classic. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/predators-top-prospect-is-heating-up-in-ahl] Predators Sign Tough Guy To Contract Extension [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/aeb202f0-1175-4f89-a554-322c65357e4d.jpeg] Predators Sign Tough Guy To Contract Extension The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators">Nashville Predators</a> have announced that <a href="https://x.com/PredsNHL/status/1910407485015666747">they have signed</a> forward Navrin Mutter to a one-year, two-way contract extension for the 2025-26 season. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/predators-sign-tough-guy-to-contract-extension] Former Predators Forward Done For The Season [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/88311f6b-4f76-440a-8caf-ef113a438e69.jpeg] Former Predators Forward Done For The Season Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan <a href="https://x.com/PenguinsPR/status/1910371225521512714?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet">has announced</a> that former <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators">Nashville Predators</a> forward Tommy Novak will be out for the rest of the season. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/former-predators-forward-done-for-the-season]
