NASHVILLE — The Nashville Predators acquired Mavrik Bourque and Ilya Lyubushkin from the Dallas Stars on July 1, 2026. In exchange, the Predators sent a second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft and a third-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft to the Stars.

Predators General Manager Chris MacFarland also announced two other signings on the same day. The team signed defenseman Jack Ahcan to a two-year, two-way contract, and defenseman Hunter Skinner to a one-year, two-way contract.

Bourque, a restricted free agent, was selected in the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft. He scored 20 goals and recorded 41 points in 82 games during the previous season. Nick Kieser of Lower Broad Hockey reported that Bourque is seeking a long-term contract, ideally five years at $5.5 million per year or six years.

Jack Ahcan played in 11 games for the Colorado Avalanche and 61 games for the Colorado Eagles in the AHL during the previous season. While with the Eagles, Ahcan recorded 50 points, including 11 goals and 39 assists. He has participated in 22 NHL games throughout his career, 11 of which were with the Boston Bruins. Ahcan has also played in 272 AHL games for the Providence Bruins, accumulating 198 points.

Hunter Skinner was a fourth-round selection in the 2019 NHL Draft by the New York Rangers. He has appeared in one NHL game, making his debut on November 14, 2025, for the St. Louis Blues against the Philadelphia Flyers. During his AHL career, Skinner has played 60 games for the Springfield Thunderbirds, where he recorded 19 points with seven goals and 12 assists. He has accumulated 75 points in 263 AHL games since being drafted.