Penguins Shake Things Up with Trade for Luke Schenn and Tommy Novak
Big news coming out of the NHL trade scene—Pittsburgh Penguins just pulled off a move that’s got everyone talking! They sent forward Michael Bunting to the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenseman Luke Schenn and forward Tommy Novak. But that’s not all—defenseman Vincent Desharnais is also heading to the San Jose Sharks in a separate deal.
So, let’s break this down. The Penguins gave up Bunting along with a 2026 fourth-round draft pick to Nashville, bringing back Schenn and Novak. Meanwhile, they acquired a 2028 fifth-round pick from San Jose in exchange for Desharnais. It’s a trade that shakes up both teams, and Penguins GM Kyle Dubas made it clear—this move was about positioning the team for the future.
Now, let’s talk about Luke Schenn. The 35-year-old defenseman brings a wealth of experience with over 1,000 NHL games under his belt. He’s known for his leadership, toughness, and ability to stabilize a defensive unit. Pittsburgh is banking on that experience to help their core group as they navigate this phase of their rebuild. Schenn might not be a flashy scorer, but his physicality and steady presence make him a valuable addition to the blue line.
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As for Tommy Novak, he’s a center with a strong offensive upside. The 27-year-old has shown flashes of solid playmaking ability, putting up 22 points in 52 games this season. Dubas emphasized that Novak’s lower cap hit and extra year of team control made him an attractive option over Bunting. Pittsburgh clearly sees him as a player who can contribute both now and in the future.
On the other side, Nashville GM Barry Trotz explained the reasoning behind moving Schenn and Novak. Trotz admitted that he had multiple offers for Schenn but felt this deal made the most sense. Bunting, who plays with a bit of an edge, brings some needed grit to the Predators. Trotz also mentioned that Novak hadn’t fully met expectations after signing a three-year deal, so parting ways made sense for Nashville.
Bunting, now 29, has had a solid NHL career, with 210 points across 326 games. But he’s currently recovering from surgery to remove his appendix and remains out indefinitely. Trotz believes Bunting’s aggressive style and offensive ability will fit well in Nashville’s system, and the move gives the team more flexibility moving forward.
Meanwhile, Desharnais, who was part of the Penguins for just a short stint, is off to San Jose. The 28-year-old defenseman hasn’t had a major impact this season but will look for a fresh start with the Sharks.
At the end of the day, this trade is about strategy for both teams. The Penguins get a veteran leader in Schenn and a promising forward in Novak, while the Predators add a gritty winger in Bunting. With the trade deadline approaching, this might not be the last move we see from these teams as they position themselves for the future. Stay tuned—things are heating up in the NHL!
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