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Nashville Predators lowball return on Michael Bunting isn't as bad as you think

Michael Bunting is heading out to Dallas to finish the season.
ByJordan Manning|
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Dec 21, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators left wing Michael Bunting (58) skates with the puck against the New York Rangers during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators left wing Michael Bunting (58) skates with the puck against the New York Rangers during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Another deal made by the Nashville Predators and this one is weird.

The Predators have traded forward Michael Bunting to Central Division rival Dallas Stars in exchange for Seattle's 2026 third-round pick. For a 31-point scorer this season, you'd expect a higher return. A second rounder looks more suitable at base value but take a look across the league and you'll see a common theme: centers > wingers.

Bunting, 30, scored 13 goals and assisted on 18 this season with Nashville. The 2014 fourth-round pick has 205 points in 405 NHL games split between Arizona, Toronto, Carolina, Pittsburgh, and Nashville. He will now set his sights to the Lone Star State as he joins Dallas.

Bunting's value might've diminished due to a league rising center need

At surface value, Bunting is a 20g 20a middle-six winger with a reliable two-way game. Known for his grit and dirty playstyle, Bunting isn't afraid to sacrifice himself to get his team the upper hand. Per Moneypuck, he ranks 8th in PIM differential across the league with -26, meaning he draws more penalties than serves them.

Recent trends show that the league is more interested in the center market. Guys like Vincent Trocheck and Nazem Kadri have gotten the most focus and overlook these depth wingers. From what we've seen in Nashville, Bunting easily deserved a second-round pick at least. His $4.5 million average-annual-value is easily retainable and is clearly a seller.

However as mentioned, the league is wanting more center presence, so they'll likely shut out other offers like Bunting. This could've potentially led to Preds GM Barry Trotz lower the cost of Bunting in order to get more attention. Insiders reported that the "Preds are trying to sell everything possible" so maybe step one is lower your expectations and just let it happen. It's better to get something for a player rather than nothing.

What does this mean for Nashville?

While details on how or why the deal was completed the way it was aren't public, I can only assume the center market is largely to blame. A third rounder for this year is good for Nashville, setting them up with five selections in the top 100. This year's draft class is loaded with talent so it's important prepare.

Looking back into the lineup, the Predators don't have many other winger options to trade. Now all that's left is centers and defenseman. Center trading is what Nashville should focus on next. Haula, O'Reilly, and Stamkos are all big value players, with the last two names leading the way. Trotz must capitalize on the current market trends if he wants to give his team the best future after he retires. If Nic Dowd can get a second rounder and more, Haula can easily get the same. Who knows what O'Reilly and Stamkos could get but we know that it'll be way more.

In the meantime, young guns and prospects will begin to flood the lineup with Fedor Svechkov, Reid Schaefer, and Ryan Ufko entering. Things are starting to look promising but it can be so much better if the right cards are

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