07/01/26 11:35:00
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07/01 10:47 CDT Predators get a jump on free agency by acquiring Mavrik Bourque
in a trade with the Stars
Predators get a jump on free agency by acquiring Mavrik Bourque in a trade with
the Stars
By JOHN WAWROW and STEPHEN WHYNO
AP Hockey Writers
A weak free-agent pool has NHL teams turning to the trade route to improve
their rosters this summer, a development that became evident Wednesday before
the market opened.
Nashville acquired pending restricted free agent forward Mavrik Bourque from
Dallas. The Predators sent a 2027 second- and a 2028 third-round pick to the
Stars for Bourque and defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin.
"Mavrik Bourque is a quality, two-way player who will fit perfectly with what
we are trying to build here in Nashville," general manager Chris MacFarland
said. "At just 24 years old, his age and style of play fits in with the type of
players we are looking to bring in to help make us better. In addition, Ilya
Lyubushkin is a veteran defenseman with significant experience who can log
minutes and be a physical presence in our own end."
Dallas clearing salary cap space could allow the team to sign Jason Robertson,
another restricted free agent who's ticketed for a long-term, lucrative
contract. Robertson turns 27 this month and led the Stars in scoring with 96
points on 45 goals and 51 assists last season.
In other moves, Ottawa re-signed pesky forward Nick Cousins to a two-year
contract worth $3.18 million.
"Nick has proven his value to our hockey club over the past two seasons,"
Senators GM Steve Staois said. "He brings Stanley Cup winning experience and is
an important player inside our dressing room."
Cousins won the Cup in 2024 with Florida, which is expected to see goaltender
Sergei Bobrovsky depart in free agency. Toronto, Edmonton and Pittsburgh are
among the most likely suitors.
The Panthers have been active this week, trading for goalies Jacob Markstrom
and Akira Schmid and sending A.J. Greer's rights to Anaheim to bring back
rugged defenseman Radko Gudas. His six-year deal is worth $1.5 million annually
for a total of $9 million.
"I have good news: I'm coming back to Florida and I'm bringing my dad with me,"
Gudas' daughter, Tynka, said in a video announcing the move. The 36-year-old
Gudas played there for three seasons from 2020-23.
Gudas is the second player who was a captain this past season to join Florida
in recent weeks. Brady Tkachuk, Matthew's brother, was traded to the Panthers
last month after wearing the "C" in Ottawa.
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AP Sports Writer Tim Reynolds contributed to this report.
___
AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL
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