The Nashville Predators have acquired forward Mavrik Bourque and defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin from the Dallas Stars. In return, Dallas receives Nashville’s second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft and Vegas’ third-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft. Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager Chris MacFarland announced the trade on July 1, 2026. More Sports News
Why Nashville Made the Trade
MacFarland pointed to Bourque’s two-way play and age as fitting Nashville’s roster plans, while noting Lyubushkin’s experience and physical presence on the back end give the Predators a veteran defenseman who can log heavy minutes.
Mavrik Bourque’s Career Numbers
Bourque, 24, born January 8, 2002, set career highs in 2025-26 with the Stars, posting 20 goals, 21 assists and 41 points, along with 79 hits and 147 shots across 82 games. His 20 goals ranked fourth on the Dallas roster. The 5-foot-11, 187-pound forward has totaled 66 points (31 goals, 35 assists) in 156 career NHL games since debuting in 2023-24.
In the AHL with Texas, Bourque recorded 129 points (47 goals, 82 assists) in 147 games. He led the AHL in scoring during the 2023-24 season with 77 points (26 goals, 51 assists) in 71 games and earned the league’s Most Valuable Player award. Bourque has appeared in 10 career Stanley Cup Playoff games, scoring one goal in an average of 14:02 of ice time.
Ilya Lyubushkin’s Career Numbers
Lyubushkin, 32, born April 6, 1994, posted nine points (one goal, eight assists) and 68 hits in 53 games with Dallas during the 2025-26 season. The 6-foot-2, 206-pound defenseman has recorded 70 career points (7 goals, 63 assists) in 486 NHL games, having played for Arizona, Toronto, Buffalo, Anaheim and Dallas. He has appeared in 30 career playoff games, tallying eight assists.
How Nashville Fans Can Get Season Tickets
Full, half and quarter season ticket plans are available for the 2026-27 Nashville Predators season, presented by Regions Bank, through the Smashville Loyal program. Fans can call 615-770-7800, visit NashvillePredators.com or text PREDS to 833-453-2488 for ticket offers.
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