Predators Trade Rumors: Michael Bunting trade linked to 3 teams

The Nashville Predators are open for business, and keep an eye on them trading pesky forward Michael Bunting. If anyone gets moved off the Preds this year, it's going to be the pending free-agent forward.

Bunting is in the final season of his contract, earning $4.5 million AAV, and the 30-year-old winger doesn't have any trade protection. He's a prime trade candidate and it's only a matter of time before Preds GM Barry Trotz cements the deal.

Michael Bunting TIP IN FRONT! pic.twitter.com/Hy5rOwbmlz
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) November 1, 2025

Bunting has appeared in 31 games this season for Nashville, scoring eight goals and adding 10 assists, for 18 points. He's averaging 14:36 of ice-time, including over two minutes per game on the power play, where often times he just parks himself in front of the net and tries to disrupt as much as possible.

As far as potential trade destinations go, three teams stand out. The Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, and Toronto Maple Leafs. The Bruins are looking for some more depth up front and secondary scoring, and love the way Bunting plays. The Devils have Sheldon Keefe behind their bench, who was Bunting's coach in Toronto for two seasons, which also happened to include a career year. As for the Maple Leafs, they need to find ways to get Auston Matthews going, and Craig Berube would love the way Bunting plays, so there's certainly a fit there. The Leafs are trying to trade Matias Maccelli, so keep an eye out for that swap.

Bunting's getting traded, it's just a matter of time. Leafs, Bruins or Devils could be involved, but don't be surprised if this drags out closer to the deadline, that several Stanley Cup contenders tap into Trotz on the asking price.