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Report: Michael Bunting Nearly Traded

Originally posted on Inside The Rink | By Connor Green | Last updated Feb 4, 2026 9:11 PM ET

In the midst of the Predators down season, you expect players to be involved in trade rumors. That seems to have gone past rumor and nearly became a reality.

In the midst of discussing the Predators organizational changes, Elliotte Friedman brought up Bunting’s name on his 32 Thoughts Podcast.

“I’ve heard this story in a couple places now. It was so close. That deal didn’t happen apparently because they couldn’t agree on the year of the draft pick. I think Nashville wanted a 26 pick, and the Islanders wanted to send a 27 pick.”

After this alleged deal didn’t occur, the Islanders landed Ondrej Palat from the New Jersey Devils.

Bunting is currently a pending unrestricted free agent carrying $4.5 AAV. This season, he has 30 points in 55 games. He would be a solid addition to the bottom six of a cup contender.

Burning has been traded in back-to-back trade deadlines. Could he go for three?

It will be interesting to see the direction of the Nashville Predators after the March trade deadline. After Barry Trotz’s recent retirement announcement and the team’s roller coaster success, the Predators only sit 3 points out of a Wild Card spot and could fight for a playoff position.

Once the NHL’s roster freeze ends after the Olympics, we will see if another team is willing to pony up the offer to pry Bunting away from Nashville.

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This article first appeared on Inside The Rink and was syndicated with permission.

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