Dallas Stars
Predators Finalizing Trade and Extension for Mavrik Bourque
The Nashville Predators acquire Mavrik Bourque from the Stars. What does this mean for Jason Robertson in Dallas?
The Nashville Predators are finalizing a trade to acquire forward Mavrik Bourque from the Dallas Stars, according to reports from Elliotte Friedman, Chris Johnston, and Pierre LeBrun. Friedman notes that the Predators are sending a second and a third rounder to Dallas.
Nashville also gets Ilya Lyubushkin in the deal, and Chris Johnston adds that the Predators are working towards an extension with Bourque and believe it will get done.
“Mavrik Bourque is a quality, two-way player who will fit perfectly with what we are trying to build here in Nashville,” GM Chris MacFarland said. “At just 24 years old, his age and style of play fits in with the type of players we are looking to bring in to help make us better. In addition, Ilya Lyubushkin is a veteran defenseman with significant experience who can log minutes and be a physical presence in our own end. We are excited to welcome both players to Nashville.”
Bourque, a restricted free agent, had emerged as one of the more sought-after names on the RFA market this summer after a breakout season in Dallas, and the Stars had reportedly been growing concerned about the possibility of an offer sheet from another club. Rather than risk losing him for compensation picks via an offer sheet — or getting into an arbitration fight — Dallas appears to have opted to move him proactively.
They are trying to sort out their own drama with Jason Robertson and didn’t need another team holding them over a barrel as they did so. Shedding Bourque’s next contract, plus the requirement to accommodate an RFA raise, frees up flexibility as that negotiation continues. It’s the second notable name to exit the Dallas roster mix this offseason as the front office works through its cap math.
For Nashville, adding Bourque brings in a 24-year-old who just posted a breakout season, scoring 20 goals and 41 points in 82 games while playing his way into a bigger role as the year went on. New Predators president and GM Chris MacFarland has been aggressive since taking over the front office, and this trade continues that trend — adding a young, cost-controlled forward with legitimate offensive upside rather than paying market rate for a similar player in free agency.
Next: Blackhawks Sign Bowen Byram to Huge Extension, Other Chicago Free Agency Buzz
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