Predators sign Bourque to 6-year deal

The Nashville Predators signed center Mavrik Bourque to a six-year, $33 million contract, as reported by ESPN. This deal, which carries a $5.5 million salary cap hit through the 2031-32 season, comes shortly after the Predators acquired Bourque from the Dallas Stars.

Nashville sent a 2027 second-round pick and a 2028 third-round pick to Dallas for Bourque's negotiating rights and veteran defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin. Bourque, who had 20 goals and 21 assists in 82 games last season, was considered a casualty of the salary cap by Dallas general manager Jim Nill, who noted the team could not retain him due to cap constraints.

This signing is a significant move for new Predators general manager Chris MacFarland, emphasizing the team's strategy to invest in emerging talent as they seek to build a competitive roster.