When free agency opened on July 1, the Carolina Hurricanes were front and center. Several players re-signed with the team, and a few new names were added. Among those fresh faces was 27-year-old winger Michael Bunting.
Drafted in the 4th round by the Arizona Coyotes in 2014, Bunting took his time making it to the NHL, debuting in Boston with the Coyotes on December 11, 2018, scoring his first NHL goal in the same game. He would re-emerge during the crazy 2020-21 season, scoring in his season debut and recording his first hat trick three games later.
He’d finish the season with ten goals and 13 points in 21 games before hitting the open market and signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs on a cheap two-year deal.
With the Maple Leafs, Michael Bunting flourished. He spent most of his time playing with two superstars, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, and his numbers reflected that. Still holding his rookie status, Bunting scored 23 goals in 2021-22 and led all rookies in scoring with 63 points, finishing 3rd in Calder voting.
Last season, he tallied 23 goals again, but the point production dipped, putting up 49 points in 82 games.
When you watch highlights of Michael Bunting, there are a few things that will stand out. He’s a massive presence at the front of the net. I bet most of his 57 career goals are within five to ten feet of the crease. He always seems to jump on rebounds, cleaning up the garbage for tap-in goals.
Bunting has also developed a reputation as a pest. This comes with its positives and negatives.
He’ll be the type of guy who stands up for his teammates, but sometimes, he takes it a little too far. He received a three-game ban during the 1st round of the postseason for a blindside hit on Erik Cernak. He also was shoved off the ice by an official during a game last December.
His role as a pest has often made him hard to officiate.
During his two seasons in Toronto, he finished in the top four in the NHL in penalties drawn. However, while he drew the second-most penalties last season (43), he tied with Rasmus Dahlin for the most penalties taken (42). His 103 penalty minutes were the tenth-most in the league, but some speculate he was unfairly targeted.
For a team known for its problems with officials, it’ll be interesting to see if that changes with Bunting’s addition.
I don’t think expecting 20+ goals and 60+ points from Michael Bunting this season is unrealistic.
While 60 points might be on the high end, he’s done it once before, albeit with the 2021-22 Hart Trophy winner. Still, he was brought in to be a productive forward at the top of the lineup. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s lined up next to Sebastian Aho on Opening Night. If he can stay healthy and out of trouble, Bunting should thrive in this environment. I can see him becoming a new face that the fans instantly grow to love. He’ll provide a ton of passion on the ice, something the Caniacs appreciate.
This is going to be a significant change for Michael Bunting. The transition from Toronto, the center of the hockey world, to Raleigh is drastic. If Frederik Andersen is any indication, he should be fine.
However, the expectations are similar. As the most significant addition to the forward group, his success will be determined on the scoresheet. That will provide some pressure, but I expect big things from Bunting this season.