The Predators are slated to get one of their top returns from the trade deadline in the lineup, as winger Michael Bunting has been removed from IR and is a game-time decision for tonight’s game in Anaheim, according to reporter Nick Kieser of 102.5 The Game.
The Preds acquired Bunting and a fourth-round pick from the Penguins in exchange for forward Tommy Novak and defenseman Luke Schenn. After the deal, Nashville GM Barry Trotz stated Bunting was an “impact player” the Preds were interested in acquiring, and noted the team’s desire to keep the 29-year-old Bunting in the fold moving forward.
Bunting has fought through injuries this season – as well as a short stint as a healthy scratch – in Pittsburgh prior to the trade. However, after a slow start, he started to turn things around to the tune of 14 goals and 29 points through 58 games. He also led the Penguins in power play goals (9) at the time of the trade. Through 326 career games, Bunting has scored 90 times, including two 20-plus goal seasons under his belt.
Although he’s only in his ninth NHL season, the Predators will mark the fifth NHL team Bunting will suit up for after stints with Arizona, Toronto, Carolina, and Pittsburgh. But Bunting should provide a veteran presence, solid top nine play, and power play production to the rebuilding Preds.
Bunting has one year remaining on his current contract with a 2025-26 cap hit of $4.5MM.
Nothing against Bunting, but Trotz thinking he’s the missing piece tells you why we’re headed for a lottery pick.
Did Trotz ever say that he was the missing piece to anything?
“We identified Bunting as a piece moving forward,” he said. “It may take us out of free agency, but we said we are going to need (him) here.”
link to tennessean.com
Okay, so he said that he was a piece. Never said that he was the missing piece to anything. Only you put that into words. You are to be commended for admitting that you were making it up. Thanks for that.
If you actually read the article, you would have seen where Trotz said getting Bunting likely would take the Preds out of the UFA market. Not sure how anyone would interprete that as anything but Trotz saying he landed what he thinks is a key piece of his lineup.
Reading comprehension isn’t your thing.