The Toronto Maple Leafs may have found a replacement for Zach Hyman.
During free agency today, the Toronto Maple Leafs signed Michael Bunting to a two-year deal worth $950K annually.
If you’re unfamiliar with Bunting, that’s okay. He’s only played 26 career NHL games and is a 25-year-old Group VI free agent. You’re not supposed to know much about him, but don’t worry, the Toronto Maple Leafs general manager and head coach do.
Bunting played a big part in the Soo Greyhounds success from 2013-2015 and was on the team when Sheldon Keefe and Kyle Dubas were there. As such, both of them know him well and have more than likely been following his progression as a professional very closely.
After getting drafted in the fourth round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Bunting led his team in goals with 37, while contributing 74 points (stats: hockeydb.com). That Greyhounds’ team went 54-12-2 that season and were one of the best teams in junior hockey before ultimately losing in the playoffs.
Bunting Would Be Good Fit on Toronto
Since being drafted, Bunting has had a hard time finding a role on an NHL team. Instead, he’s been stuck on the Tuscon Roadrunners tearing up the American Hockey League.
Michael Bunting — 10 G in 21 GP with ARI this season — is the rare Group VI free agent. All the logical speculation is on him being reunited with his Soo Greyhound GM (Kyle Dubas) and head coach (Sheldon Keefe) in TOR but multiple teams interested. @TSNHockey
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 27, 2021
However, in the limited time that he’s played in the NHL, he’s been just as effective. It’s not a huge sample size but Bunting has 11 goals and 14 points in 26 career NHL games and played well enough last season to be selected to Team Canada at the 2021 IIHF World Hockey Championships.
Bunting won a gold medal with Canada, but unfortunately went point-less in 10 games.
Regardless, that was great exposure for him and it could be something that sparks a steady NHL career moving forward.
After losing Zach Hyman in free agency, the team needs to find a replacement for him ASAP. Fortunately, Bunting could be someone who fits that mold. Although he has limited NHL action, he did play the majority of his time in Arizona’s top-six last year and looked good.
Keith Duggan of DobberProspects mentioned something that Leafs fans should be very happy to hear when it comes to Bunting’s game, saying the following:
"“He regularly could be found in front of the opponents net, screening the goalie and scoring dirty goals, something the Coyotes were lacking.”"
Sound familiar?
If Bunting can use his experience last year and find a role beside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, he could be in for a very great 2021-22 season. He’s already shown that he can score, but if he can play in the dirty areas and be a puck-retrieval player like Hyman, the team could find a diamond in the rough.