The Nashville Predators made an unexpected trade Wednesday evening, sending forward Tommy Novak and defenseman Luke Schenn to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for forward Michael Bunting and a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. We break down the surprising deal between two teams presumed to be sellers at the deadline and discuss what it means for the Predators in the short and the long term. We also discuss why Tuesday’s win over the Boston Bruins wasn’t the catastrophe that some fans seem to think it was, and we preview Thursday’s game against the Seattle Kraken.
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9 Comments
I'm confused by this trade.
Hope the Nashville Predators win the next match!
As a Penguins fan, I am really happy with this trade. Bunting is a useful player—an emotional, streaky, solid top-six forward. I really like Schenn and his playing style. Also, the Penguins are getting younger with Novak, who has more upside than Bunting. I could actually see us flipping L. Schenn to a contender, but I would love to keep him and maybe consider moving him at the next trade deadline. By the way, the Pens jersey is much better than the preds jersey! 😛😁
Bunting is not an offensive upgrade to Novak.
Most of Bunting’s points come on the power play.
Ladies, good one, I have no idea what's going on with this trade, is this a part of something bigger? As far as losing Luke Schenn, it doesn't hurt me to know his salary is off the books. Tommy Novak, I mean that one's a little weird. He's on a modest 3.5 mill for 3 years..he's a good Bottom 6er that can sometimes go to a Top 6er. It feels like a reshuffling of that Bottom 6…maybe to set something up for the offseason? I'm not sure what else Barry does at the deadline. Bunting meh, it's a flyer on a guy that could be useful somewhere (kind of a guy with a unique skillset–good forecheck and kind of s grinder/sandpaper type of guy). Interesting going into next year he can be tradable and is signed for one more year. As far as this team tanking versus winning…it's a draft lottery so no matter what any fan thinks losing all the games isn't going to ensure that we get a #1 or #2 pick…realistically that's going to be hard because San Jose and Chicago are probably not going to be bumped out of those spots (Sharks.are 17 wins, Blackhawks are at 19, we are at 22)—but anyway, it's all on how ping pong balls bounce..there have been some years where the 4th worst team statistically jumps to number #1—and the 12th best odds team can jump to #1—and now the league has changed it where the same team can't win it more than twice in a 5 year span. Whatever—just compete and win and try to establish a few things you do well so there is something that can be carried into next year that looks good team-play wise—(we'll probably get a high pick anyway) because whatever happens is not going to guarantee anything. For all we know it could be someone weird like Pittsburgh or Utah that's like barely awful but mediocre—and THEY win it. We have no idea. All that is just leaving things up to "risk" or "chance" and as many athletes or good people that practice mindfulness—control what you can control…don't just leave it up to the hockey gods or even the Big Guy upstairs. Believe me he's got a lot more to worry about—the Preds just got to keep grinding and play hard–these guys are paid to compete so they know the score even when the fans have long thrown up their hands. There are a lot of issues beyond just what one draft pick is going to solve (or 3 1s–but don't get me wrong that's a nice card Barry has to play). These guys on the roster need to play and compete as my dad said to my brother and I when we would kick others butt and fight amongst ourselves—"figure it out"—it sets a bad precedent when you just lose to lose…a losing culture when you have more control to compete and games left? I'm a big no on that idea.
they have to win every now and then to remember what winning feels like so they want to win more.
Have to say I fully agree about the rest of the season. Everyone wants us to tank but I’d rather see what the future might look like.
Hate to see Schenn go, but we aren’t in a position where he can be utilized properly. Wonder who all the people screaming for him to go will shift the blame to now? Novak as a center isn’t physical enough to drive a line or play solid defense. I like Buntings game, but he’s on IR. We need centers that can drive a line with our wingers and play a decent two way game and competent defensemen looking forward into next year. Good luck Novak and Schenn!
It's a salary dump, but Novak has skill. Bunting…meh a dime-a-dozen grinder who can score on occasion. Two lousy teams spinning their wheels.