Penguins trade Michael Bunting to Predators for Luke Schenn, Tommy Novak

The Pittsburgh Penguins aren’t done making moves. Just after trading defenceman Vincent Desharnais to the San Jose Sharks for a draft pick, general manager Kyle Dubas made another trade on Wednesday.

The Penguins traded forward Michael Bunting and a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenceman Luke Schenn and forward Tommy Novak, the teams announced Wednesday.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman was first to report the deal.

Bunting, 29, has 14 goals and 29 points in 58 games this season for the Penguins. He joined the organization as a free agent in 2023 after spending time with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes. He’s in the second of a three-year deal with a $4.5 million cap hit.

Schenn, a veteran defenceman, has been with the Predators since 2023 — his seventh NHL team over his 17-year NHL career. He spent considerable time with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers and Vancouver Canucks. In 61 games this season, the defensive defenceman has one goal and five points. He’s under team control for one more season at a $2.75 million cap hit.

Novak, 27, has 13 goals and 22 points in 52 games this season and has been deployed as Nashville’s top-line centre. He signed a three-year, $10.5 million contract in the off-season, and will be under Pittsburgh’s control until 2027.

Both the Penguins and the Predators sit outside of the playoff picture.