Penguins send Bunting, pick to Predators for Schenn, Novak
The Pittsburgh Penguins traded forward Michael Bunting and a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Nashville Predators for forward Tommy Novak and defenseman Luke Schenn, the teams announced Wednesday.
Bunting has 14 goals and 29 points in 58 games. The 29-year-old is currently sidelined after undergoing surgery to remove his appendix Feb. 26. He's signed through next season at a $4.5-million cap hit.
The Penguins acquired Bunting before last year's trade deadline in the deal that sent Jake Guentzel to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Novak has 13 goals and 22 points in 52 contests. He tallied a career-high 18 goals and 45 points last season and signed an extension with the Predators before last year's trade deadline. The 27-year-old is inked through 2026-27 at a $3.5-million cap hit.
Schenn has five points and 41 penalty minutes in 61 games. The 35-year-old is under contract through 2025-26 at a $2.75-million cap hit. Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas previously traded for Schenn while with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2023.
Pittsburgh could flip Schenn before the deadline, but the team likes his leadership, character, and toughness, reports TSN's Chris Johnston.
The Penguins dealt defenseman Vincent Desharnais to the San Jose Sharks for a 2028 fifth-round pick earlier Wednesday.
The trade deadline is Friday at 3 p.m. ET.