New Predator Bourque signs six-year contract

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, July 5, 2026

The Nashville Predators signed forward Mavrik Bourque to a six-year, $33 million contract after acquiring him from the Dallas Stars, along with defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin in exchange for future draft picks. These signings and trades signal significant roster changes as the Predators, Edmonton Oilers, and Toronto Maple Leafs strengthen their lineups for the upcoming NHL season.

The Nashville Predators have secured forward Mavrik Bourque with a six-year contract valued at $33 million following his acquisition from the Dallas Stars. The trade, completed Wednesday, also brought defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin to Nashville in exchange for a second-round pick in 2027 and a third-round pick in 2028.

Bourque, 24, was selected by Dallas in the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft. His playing time has grown steadily since his debut, progressing from a single game in the 2023-24 season to 73 appearances the following year, and 82 games last season when he achieved career highs with 41 points, including 20 goals and 21 assists. He was also named the Most Valuable Player in the American Hockey League (AHL) after leading the league in points with 77 while playing for the Texas Stars during the 2023-24 season.

Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers have extended a two-year, $3.5 million contract to defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin, confirmed by his representatives. Mukhamadullin, also 24, joined the Oilers in a trade Wednesday that saw veteran defenseman Darnell Nurse move to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Mukhamadullin and fellow defenseman Zachary Sharp.

Mukhamadullin recorded a personal best of 12 points—five goals and seven assists—in 50 games with the Sharks last season. In total, he has amassed 22 points, including seven goals and 15 assists, across 83 NHL games since his debut with San Jose in 2024. Originally drafted by the New Jersey Devils at No. 20 overall in 2020, Mukhamadullin was traded to the Sharks in February 2023 before his recent move to Edmonton.

In the Eastern Conference, the Toronto Maple Leafs have signed restricted free agent defenseman Emil Andrae to a two-year contract. Although the team did not disclose financial details, reports indicate the deal is worth approximately $3.1 million. Andrae was acquired by Toronto in a June 16 trade with the Philadelphia Flyers, which also included goaltender Samuel Ersson and a third-round draft pick in exchange for defenseman Simon Benoit and goaltender Joseph Woll.

At 24 years old, Andrae posted 13 points—two goals and 11 assists—in 61 games last season while concluding his three-year entry-level contract. A second-round pick in 2020, Andrae has accumulated 20 points (three goals, 17 assists) in 107 career games with the Flyers.

These contract signings and trades mark notable roster moves across several NHL teams as they prepare for the upcoming season.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.