The Nashville Predators have secured center Mavrik Bourque with a six-year contract worth $33 million. This deal comes just three days after acquiring the restricted free agent from the Dallas Stars. Bourque's new contract carries a $5.5 million salary cap hit through the 2031-32 season.

Bourque, 24, posted 20 goals and 21 assists in 82 games last season for Dallas, his second full NHL campaign. The Predators acquired his negotiating rights, along with veteran defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin, by sending a 2027 second-round pick and a 2028 third-round pick to the Stars. Dallas general manager Jim Nill cited salary cap constraints as the reason for moving Bourque, stating he was a "casualty of the cap world."

This signing represents a significant move by new Predators general manager Chris MacFarland. Bourque's cap hit now ranks third among Nashville forwards, ahead of Jonathan Marchessault. The acquisition signals Nashville's intent to build around its core players, though the long-term impact of the contract on the team's future flexibility remains to be seen.