Penguins Trade Bunting and Desharnais in Major Reshuffle Ahead of Deadline

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The Pittsburgh Penguins made significant roster changes on March 5, 2025, trading winger Michael Bunting and defenseman Vincent Desharnais as they prepare for a critical playoff push. Bunting, who has been sidelined after appendicitis surgery, was sent to the Nashville Predators along with a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft in exchange for defenseman Luke Schenn and forward Tommy Novak.

Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas addressed the trades, emphasizing the need for younger players to revitalize the team. “We looked at the two trades in totality – Desharnais, Bunting, and a pick for Novak, Schenn, and a pick,” Dubas said. “The motivation being that Tommy was younger, under team control for an additional season over Bunting, carried a lower cap charge, and is primarily a center – we felt that carried a large amount of value as we move ahead with our plans.”

Bunting, who registered 29 points in 58 games this season, was largely acquired in a previous trade with the Carolina Hurricanes and has made significant contributions since joining Pittsburgh. However, his recent injury placed him on injured reserve and raised questions about his future with the team.

In contrast, Luke Schenn brings 17 years of NHL experience, featuring in 1,057 games and providing leadership and toughness. “As for Luke, his experience, leadership, toughness, and spirit will be a major benefit to helping the Penguins maintain standards and support our existing core,” Dubas noted.

Novak has been a key player for Nashville, contributing 22 points in 52 games this season. At 27 years of age, he is viewed as a long-term investment for Pittsburgh’s future. “We like Tommy’s ability to control play, generate scoring chances for himself and others, and produce at even strength,” Dubas said. “He has been on our priority list for a few years now, and we feel his mobility and playmaking will provide us with great options in the years ahead.”

Desharnais, in his short tenure with the Penguins, has struggled to make an impact, recording only three assists in 34 games before the trade. His move to the San Jose Sharks for a fifth-round pick in 2028 indicates a shift in the team’s strategy as they prioritize younger players who can develop under a restructured vision.

Dubas elaborated on the current market dynamics ahead of the trade deadline, stating, “There’s a lot of parity and different strategies that contending teams have deployed. We believe we are positioned well to continue executing our plan over the next few days and into the summer to return the Penguins to contention as soon as possible.”

The Penguins now hold 49 NHL contracts for the upcoming 2024-25 season, one spot below the league maximum, as they aim to refine their roster ahead of critical games this season. The arrival of Schenn and Novak adds a new dimension to the team as they strive to regain playoff contention.