In a fairly shocking development, the Pittsburgh Penguins have traded Michael Bunting to the Nashville Predators for veteran defenseman Luke Schenn and center Tommy Novak. The Predators will also receive a 2026 4th round pick.
The Penguins have traded Michael Bunting to the Predators for a return including Luke Schenn and Tommy Novak, per @FriedgeHNIC pic.twitter.com/CUnbQ8a7AV
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) March 6, 2025
This comes just days after it was announced that Bunting underwent appendix surgery, and there is currently no time frame for his return to hockey. The fact that anyone wanted him is what brings the shock. We didn't even feature him in our trade predictions article.
Bunting was acquired at the end of last season in the Jake Guentzel trade, and in his 79 combined games with the Penguins put up 20 goals and 28 assists. He led the Penguins with 9 power play goals this season, but his even strength play left a lot to be desired from a top six winger.
He'll join a tanking Predators team at some point when he comes back from his surgery. Nashville will take on his $4.5M cap hit for the upcoming 2025-26 season and receive a physical, goon-type of player that finds himself in the penalty box regularly.
The Penguins' Return
Luke Schenn is a 35 year-old defenseman who has been in the NHL since 2008. He's spent the last two seasons with Nashville and has 12 points in 124 games.
Schenn's physicality is the biggest part of his game. He is often at the top of the league in hits and he blocks his fair share of shots. His best days are behind him, though, and the Penguins will assume his $2.75M contract through the 2025-26 season.
He'll likely take the place of Vincent Desharnais, who was traded to the San Jose Sharks for a 2028 5th round pick.
Tommy Novak is a left handed, 27 year-old centerman playing in his 4th NHL season. He has some really solid numbers with Nashville. He's got 49 goals and 68 assists in 201 career games, and looks to be a younger, cheaper substitution for Michael Bunting.
Novak comes at a $3.5M cap hit and is under control through the end of 2027. His ice time is the biggest question mark with him, but for as much scoring as he produces, his 4th line minutes could see an increase in Pittsburgh.
He's a very disciplined center. He doesn't take penalties, he contributes on the forecheck, and is a great shooter. Novak looks to be a really solid piece, especially for Bunting, who had no future in Pittsburgh.
At first glance, this looks to be a great trade by Kyle Dubas. He dumped off Bunting and his salary, got younger with Novak (with good production), and got a place keeper for the blue line.
Stay tuned right here on Pens Labyrinth for all the coverage and reactions to the NHL Trade Deadline.