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Penguins Acquire Schenn & Novak From the Predators

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Jim Bay | Last updated Mar 5, 2025 11:14 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Penguins traded forward Michael Bunting and a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenseman Luke Schenn and forward Tommy Novak.

Schenn, a veteran defenseman, has been with the Predators since 2022, which is his seventh NHL team in his 17-year NHL career. He spent considerable time with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers and Vancouver Canucks. In 61 games this season, the he has one goal and five points. He’s under team control for one more season at a $2.75 million cap hit.

Novak, 27, has 13 goals and 22 points in 52 games this season and has been deployed as Nashville’s top center at times. He signed a three-year, $10.5 million contract in the offseason and will be under Pittsburgh’s control until 2027.

Michael Bunting is officially headed to Nashville

The Penguins also send a 2026 fourth-round pick in exchange for Tommy Novak and Luke Schenn.#NHLTradeDeadline | @bet365ca pic.twitter.com/05EZK4fCmT
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 6, 2025

Bunting, 29, has 14 goals and 29 points in 58 games this season for the Penguins. He joined the organization as a free agent in 2023 after spending time with the Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes. He’s in the second of a three-year deal with a $4.5 million cap hit.

Before turning professional, Schenn played three seasons in the Western Hockey League with the Kelowna Rockets from 2005-08, registering 68 points (12G-56A) in 189 games. The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native has represented his country at the international level at the 2007 World Under-18 Championship and 2008 World Junior Championship, as well as four World Championships (2009, ’11, ’12 & ’ ’13).

Schenn was drafted initially fifth overall by Toronto in 2008. Novak, 27, is in his fourth season in the NHL, all of which have come with the Predators. The 6-foot-1, 179-pound forward has suited up in 52 games in 2024-25, registering 13 goals, nine assists and 22 points. His 13 goals ranked fifth on Nashville, while his 22 points were sixth-best.