Nashville Predators
· 2026-07-04
The Nashville Predators have acquired center Mavrik Bourque and defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin from the Dallas Stars in a trade.
The Predators sent a 2027 second-round pick and Vegas' 2028 third-round pick to the Stars in the deal.
Nashville also acquired the rights to negotiate a contract with Bourque, a restricted free agent owed a contract for the 2026-27 season.
The 24-year-old Bourque scored 20 goals and 21 assists in 82 games last season.
This trade is a significant move for the Predators, who are currently 10th in the Western Conference with a 38-34 record, on a L2 streak.
Bourque is a skilled forward with excellent vision in all three zones, and his acquisition strengthens the Predators' roster.
The Predators will now have exclusive rights to negotiate a contract with Bourque, and the team is expected to make a strong push for the playoffs.
Lyubushkin, 32, played 53 games for the Stars last season, scoring one goal and eight assists, and is owed $3.2 million for the 2026-27 season.
The Predators' new president of hockey operations, Chris MacFarland, made the trade, taking advantage of the Stars' contract stalemate with forward Jason Robertson.
MacFarland's move is seen as a shrewd bit of business, as the Predators steal away a good young center from a Central Division rival.
The trade is a significant boost to the Predators' roster, and the team is expected to be a strong contender in the upcoming season.
The Predators' fans are excited about the acquisition, and the team is looking forward to seeing Bourque and Lyubushkin in action.
The trade is a testament to MacFarland's ability to make smart moves and strengthen the team's roster.