Predators GM gets real on Mavrik Bourque expectations after Stars trade

The Nashville Predators have a new general manager in Chris MacFarland. And he did not waste any time getting to work on his new team. This summer, he made a slew of moves, including an intriguing trade with the Dallas Stars for young forward Mavrik Bourque.

Bourque comes to Nashville with a little hype behind him. The Predators recently signed him to a big contract extension. And he is coming off a 20-goal season with the Stars. The future is certainly bright, but MacFarland isn’t looking to add more to his plate than necessary.

“I think where he can get to will be up to him, but we feel he doesn’t have to be anything other than what he’s been,” MacFarland said, via NHL.com, when asked about Bourque’s potential. “He was a 20-goal guy last year. If he can just come in and replicate that and be part of that younger core, that would excite us, whether that’s second-line center or middle-six winger or whatever. He’s going to get every opportunity to excel in the middle of the ice, that’s for sure.”

The Predators acquired Bourque and Ilya Lyubushkin from the Stars on July 1. Nashville is hoping Bourque can help them contend in a somewhat weak Western Conference. They nearly made the postseason last year, but fell short of clinching a Wild Card spot.

MacFarland has found considerable success, including a Stanley Cup win as GM of the Colorado Avalanche in 2020. Nashville hired him specifically to bring a Cup to Nashville. If it’s going to happen, Boruque will be looked upon as a key piece to the puzzle.

The post Predators GM gets real on Mavrik Bourque expectations after Stars trade appeared first on ClutchPoints.