Stars send Bourque and Lyubushkin to Predators for draft picks

The Dallas Stars traded restricted free agent forward Mavrik Bourque and veteran defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin to the Nashville Predators on Wednesday. The Predators sent their own 2027 second-round pick and a 2028 third-round pick previously acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for forward Cole Smith.

Bourque, 24, recorded 20 goals and 21 assists in 82 games last season while averaging 15 minutes and 29 seconds of ice time per game.

Trade details and contract status Lyubushkin has one season remaining on his contract at a $3.25 million cap hit before becoming an unrestricted free agent. Bourque earned $950,000 on a one-year deal in 2025-26 and remains arbitration eligible as a restricted free agent.

The transaction marks the largest move to date for new Predators general manager Chris MacFarland, who previously worked with the Colorado Avalanche.

Dallas outlook after multiple departures Dallas has now traded two young forwards this offseason after sending center Logan Stankoven to the Carolina Hurricanes last year. General manager Jim Nill also saw a proposed deal for defenseman Zach Werenski of the Blue Jackets vetoed earlier this week under Werenski's no-movement clause.

The team continues contract talks with restricted free agent winger Jason Robertson after rejecting a trade to the Seattle Kraken.