The Nashville Predators have signed forward Mavrik Bourque, defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin, and forward Alexander Kerfoot to bolster their roster. General manager Chris MacFarland stated these moves align with the team’s goal of adding quality, two-way players and veteran presence to the lineup.
Why did the Dallas Stars lose Mavrik Bourque to Nashville?
The Dallas Stars’ inability to retain Mavrik Bourque stemmed from salary cap constraints. Dallas general manager Jim Nill confirmed that the team had to prioritize cap compliance over keeping the 24-year-old forward.
“Unfortunately, he’s a casualty of the cap world,” Nill said. He noted that Bourque’s contract negotiations reached a point where the team could no longer fit him under the cap. “He bet on himself last year, and where his contract was going, it was something that we wouldn’t be able to fit in,” Nill added.
Bourque arrives in Nashville following a season where he recorded 41 points, consisting of 20 goals and 21 assists, in 82 regular-season games. He also scored one goal during six Stanley Cup Playoff games. The 2020 first-round pick holds 66 total career points in 156 regular-season games.
Mavrik Bourque was selected 30th overall by the Dallas Stars in the 2020 NHL Draft.
What role will Ilya Lyubushkin play on the Predators’ defense?
Ilya Lyubushkin joins Nashville to provide veteran stability and physical play. MacFarland described the 32-year-old defenseman as a player capable of logging significant minutes and offering a physical presence in the defensive zone.
Lyubushkin enters the roster with one season remaining on a three-year, $9.75 million contract. This agreement carries an average annual value (AAV) of $3.25 million. His career includes 486 regular-season games played across teams including the Arizona Coyotes, Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo Sabres, Anaheim Ducks, and the Stars.
Last season, Lyubushkin recorded nine points in 53 regular-season games for Dallas, including one goal and eight assists. He also contributed one assist in two playoff games.
How much did Alexander Kerfoot sign for?
The Nashville Predators also secured forward Alexander Kerfoot on a two-year contract worth $7 million. The deal carries an average annual value of $3.5 million.
Kerfoot, 31, brings significant experience to the Nashville forward group. He has accumulated 305 career points through 639 regular-season games with the Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, Arizona Coyotes, and Utah Mammoth. In his 54 career playoff appearances, he has recorded 19 points.
During his last regular-season campaign with the Utah Mammoth, Kerfoot scored 13 points in 34 games, including seven goals and six assists. He also recorded one assist in six playoff games.
How do these signings compare in terms of player profiles?
The Predators’ recent activity demonstrates a strategy of mixing age profiles to balance immediate impact with long-term growth. The following table compares the recent production and contract status of the three new additions:
| Player | Age | Last Season Points | Contract Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mavrik Bourque | 24 | 41 | Restricted Free Agent |
| Ilya Lyubushkin | 32 | 9 | $3.25M AAV (1 yr left) |
| Alexander Kerfoot | 31 | 13 | $3.5M AAV (2 yrs) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mavrik Bourque?
Mavrik Bourque is a 24-year-old forward and former first-round NHL draft pick who recently joined the Nashville Predators after being a restricted free agent.
What is Ilya Lyubushkin’s contract status?
Lyubushkin has one year remaining on a three-year, $9.75 million contract with an average annual value of $3.25 million.
How many points has Alexander Kerfoot scored in his career?
Kerfoot has recorded 305 total points in 639 regular-season NHL games.
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