Stars Go All In, Snag Michael Bunting From Predators In Deadline Push

The Dallas Stars doubled down on their playoff chase yesterday, pulling in a hard-nosed scoring winger by acquiring Michael Bunting from the Nashville Predators in a deadline-week shuffle. The price was a 2026 third-round pick, and in return, Dallas gets another middle-six option for a roster that already looks built for a long spring.

Bunting, 30, is a pending free agent with a $4.5 million cap hit and has put up 13 goals and 18 assists in 61 games this season, production that gives the Stars some extra bite in their forward group. According to The Dallas Morning News, Dallas sent its 2026 third-round pick to Nashville to seal the deal.

The move comes shortly after the Stars added veteran defenseman Tyler Myers ahead of the deadline. NHL.com notes that Vancouver will retain 50% of Myers' salary, easing the cap hit as Dallas stacks up for the stretch run. To stay within roster limits, The Dallas Morning News reports that the team also loaned forward Arttu Hyry to the Texas Stars.

What Bunting Brings

Insiders describe Bunting as a versatile, physical forward who can line up on either wing and handle a range of minutes, exactly the short-term, high-impact type of pickup that often shows up on contending teams right before the postseason. Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman first reported the deal, and NHL Trade Rumors highlights his 13 goals, 18 assists and $4.5 million cap hit this season.

That mix of production and flexibility should let Dallas slide Bunting straight into the middle six without blowing up the current chemistry.

Why This Matters For Dallas' Push

The Stars have been looking for help up front since Tyler Seguin went down with a season-ending ACL injury, and Bunting fits the bill as an experienced forward who can jump into multiple roles. As The Dallas Morning News notes, Dallas hit the deadline riding a franchise-record 10-game winning streak and sitting near the top of the league, which raises the bar for any new arrival.

With the NHL trade deadline scheduled for 2 p.m. CT today, the Stars may be heading into the weekend with their roster largely set for the stretch run. Expect the coaching staff to try Bunting in a few different spots over the next several games as they sort out matchups and special-teams duties. If he clicks quickly, Dallas gets a low-risk, immediate boost for a team that already has its eyes fixed on a deep playoff run.