Pittsburgh Penguins President Kyle Dubas made significant moves just before the March 7 NHL trade deadline, trading forward Michael Bunting and a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Nashville Predators for defenseman Luke Schenn and forward Tommy Novak. The Penguins also sent defenseman Vincent Desharnais to the San Jose Sharks for a 2028 fifth-round pick. Dubas highlighted Novak's youth, cap-friendly contract, and playmaking ability as key factors in acquiring him, while Schenn's experience and toughness were seen as critical for the team's playoff push.

Novak, 27, is expected to serve as a valuable third-line center, boasting 13 goals and 22 points in 52 games this season. Meanwhile, Schenn, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, brings leadership and defensive skills, having a cap hit of $2.75 million through the end of the 2025-26 season. These transactions mark the beginning of a busy trade period for Dubas, who is confident in making further impactful adjustments as the Penguins aim to return to contention.

The Pittsburgh Penguins made significant roster moves by trading forward Michael Bunting to the Nashville Predators and defenseman Vincent Desharnais to the San Jose Sharks. In exchange for Bunting, who has a respectable 29 points this season, the Penguins acquired defenseman Luke Schenn and forward Tommy Novak. Bunting, currently recovering from appendectomy surgery, has shown promise but his recent injury raises questions about his future contributions.

Luke Schenn, a seasoned defenseman, adds depth to the Penguins' blueline, although his recent performances have not been particularly impactful. Novak's inclusion in the trade brings a younger perspective, and his scoring potential could provide needed support to the Penguins’ offense.

Desharnais' trade to the Sharks was more of a move to clear space, as he struggled to make a mark in Pittsburgh. Overall, these trades highlight the Penguins' strategy to retool their lineup with an eye towards maximizing their playoff chances while managing the salary cap effectively.

The Pittsburgh Penguins bolstered their roster ahead of the playoff push by acquiring veteran defenseman Luke Schenn and forward Tommy Novak from the Nashville Predators, sending left wing Michael Bunting and a future fourth-round draft pick in return. Schenn, 35, is expected to add depth on defense, although his offensive contribution has been minimal, with only one goal this season. His experience and reliability on the penalty kill will be essential as the Penguins navigate the stretch run.

In addition, the Penguins traded defenseman Vincent Desharnais to the San Jose Sharks for a fifth-round pick in 2028. This transaction highlights the Penguins' strategy of reinforcing their blue line while offloading players who may not fit into their long-term plans.

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Michael Bunting is set to miss an indefinite period after undergoing appendectomy surgery. Coach Mike Sullivan confirmed that while the exact recovery timeline remains unclear, Bunting will be sidelined for a significant duration. In the current season, he has accumulated 29 points, including 14 goals and 15 assists, but holds a disappointing minus-18 rating across 58 games. Bunting, 29, has had a commendable career so far, totaling 210 points from 90 goals and 120 assists in 326 games played with various teams, including the Penguins, Arizona Coyotes, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Carolina Hurricanes.

The Pittsburgh Penguins face another setback as forward Michael Bunting undergoes an appendectomy, sidelining him indefinitely. Head coach Mike Sullivan announced this news, indicating uncertainty regarding Bunting's return timeline. This season has already been tumultuous for Bunting, who has accumulated 14 goals and 29 points in 58 games, and was previously injured in a car accident earlier in the year. With Bunting now expected to go on injured reserve, the Penguins are poised to recall a forward from their AHL affiliate, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.