3 Trade Destinations for Predators' Michael Bunting

The Nashville Predators are in advanced trade talks with multiple teams at the moment, as GM Barry Trotz is pondering roster changes. The Preds, once again, haven't met expectations this season and there's an impending fire sale brewing.

Unrestricted free-agent forward Michael Bunting is drawing a ton of interest from other teams, as the pesky forward is a great middle-six option, who can move up to the top line in spurts. Bunting is signed for this season at $4.5 million AAV and does not hold any trade protection. Bunting's recorded four goals and 10 points in 19 games this season, averaging 14:25 of ice-time, including over two minutes per game with the man advantage.

Here's three teams to keep an eye on in the Bunting sweepstakes:

Boston Bruins

Bunting has Bruins style written all over him. Boston is exceeding expectations so far this season, sitting third in the Atlantic, and they're going to be looking for some secondary scoring, and some more toughness. Bunting isn't one to drop the gloves, but he plays an in-your-face style that screams playoff hockey. The Bruins are very familiar with his game from his couple of years as a Toronto Maple Leaf.

New Jersey Devils

The Devils won't be sitting on their hands this season as GM Tom Fitzgerald will be making additions heading into the playoffs. Bunting is a solid option for the Devils, as head coach Sheldon Keefe coached Bunting for two seasons with the Maple Leafs. Bunting would complement New Jersey's style of play and give them more speed and tenacity on the wing. Bunting's best career seasons came playing under Keefe, could be a reunion coming this year.

The Fourth Period: Re Predators: Michael Bunting, Erik Haula, Michael McCarron, Tyson Jost and Cole Smith, and defenceman Nick Blankenburg, are all playing in the final year of their contracts; all six players are candidates to be traded at some point (11/11)

Utah Mammoth

Speaking of busy teams, expect some action out of Utah this season. Ownership wants to make a splash in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and will be pushing for adding ahead of the trade deadline. The Mammoth could use some more scoring up front and adding a multiple-time 20-goal scorer in Bunting would be welcomed addition, who won't cost an arm and a leg to acquire.