With the NHL trade deadline just over a month away, the Nashville Predators are starting to look more like sellers than buyers-and two names are surfacing as potential trade chips: Michael Bunting and Michael McCarron.
Let’s start with Bunting, who’s been a short-term asset for Nashville since arriving in a trade that sent Tommy Novak and Luke Schenn to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Predators also picked up a 2026 fourth-round pick in that deal, and depending on what they can get for Bunting now, GM Barry Trotz might have pulled off a tidy bit of business.
Bunting’s brought exactly what you’d expect: grit, some sandpaper to the lineup, and flashes of secondary scoring. He’s not a top-line guy, but he’s played his role well-physical, reliable, and able to chip in offensively when needed.
With 38 points in 71 games, he’s been a steady presence. And now, he’s likely to be on the move again.
At 30, Bunting is approaching the journeyman phase of his career. He’ll be 31 before the 2026-27 season, and teams looking to add playoff depth-especially those who want a forward who isn’t afraid to go to the dirty areas-could see real value in him. He’s the kind of player who can give you honest minutes in the postseason, and his style tends to translate well to the grind of playoff hockey.
The return? That’s the big question.
If Trotz can swing a second-round pick for Bunting, that’s a clear win. Even a third-rounder or a mid-tier prospect would be a solid return for a player who was never expected to be a long-term fixture in Nashville.
Then there’s McCarron-an entirely different type of asset, but one who’s also drawing interest.
McCarron’s been with the Predators since 2020, arriving in a trade with Montreal that sent Laurent Dauphin the other way. Dauphin ended up playing just 38 games for the Canadiens and is currently without an NHL contract.
Meanwhile, McCarron has carved out a role as a dependable fourth-line center and physical presence over six seasons in Nashville. That’s a quiet win for the Preds’ front office.
He’s not flashy, and he’s not going to light up the scoreboard, but McCarron brings value in the kind of playoff hockey that demands size, toughness, and the ability to win board battles. For a contending team looking to add muscle down the middle without breaking the bank, he’s a logical target.
But here’s the catch: Nashville is already thin at center. Erik Haula is another name being floated as a trade candidate, and Ryan O’Reilly-who still carries the most value of the bunch-has also been the subject of trade rumors. If all three of those players are moved, the Predators could find themselves scrambling just to ice a functional lineup at center.
That’s why the calculus on McCarron is a little trickier. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent this summer, so flipping him now makes sense on paper.
But unless the return is meaningful-think mid-round pick or a prospect with upside-it might be smarter to try and keep him around. He won’t command a big raise, and he knows the system.
For a team that’s not exactly swimming in center depth, retaining McCarron on a short-term deal could be the more stable play.
Still, the trade market can be unpredictable, and there’s always a team out there looking for a little extra grit for the postseason. If someone’s willing to offer a decent pick, Trotz may have to pull the trigger.
Bottom line: Bunting looks like a near-lock to be moved before the March 6 deadline. He’s the kind of player who fits seamlessly into a contender’s bottom six and could be flipped for future assets.
McCarron’s situation is murkier, but he’s definitely on the radar. Whether he stays or goes may come down to how aggressive Nashville wants to be in reshaping its roster-and how much value they place on keeping some sandpaper in the lineup.
One thing’s for sure: at least one of these Michaels is likely skating in a new jersey by the time the deadline passes.