Toronto Maple Leafs: Bunting vs Hyman Justifies Kyle Dubas Cap Strategy

Michael Bunting Has Entered the Chat

For nearly the league minimum, the  betrayed Toronto Maple Leafs signed a dolphin in the offseason, taught him to kick a field goal and gave him Finkles’ old jersey.   I mean, they signed Michael Bunting to a league minimum deal, and he’s outperformed Hyman, taking Hyman’s old spot with Matthew’s and Marner.

This too, was very predictable:

"The fact is that Marner and Matthews should be more than capable of helping any half-way decent player post the 1st line numbers of a star player.  It’s not inconceivable that they could do it with a player on an ECL – i.e someone making half of Hyman’s current salary (which in itself is a huge bargain). While it’s not exactly a guarantee to find another Hyman, sticking a high-energy grinder with two superstars isn’t exactly a novel ideal, and the Leafs shouldn’t have too much trouble replicating it."

Bunting has 7 goals and 19 points in 29 games.  Hyman has 11 goals and 19 points in 26 games.

Bunting has a 56% Corsi, the Leafs get 54% of the shots when he’s on the ice, and they get 58% of the scoring chances and 61% Expected Goals.

Hyman has a 52% Corsi, the Oilers get 50% of the shots when he’s on the ice, and they get 54% of the scoring chances and 56% of the Expected Goals.

Bunting has 5 goals and 16 points during 5v5 play, and has a scoring rate of 2.53 points/60.

Hyman has 7 goals and 11 points during 5v5 play, and has a scoring rate of 1.88 points/60.

On special teams, the Oilers have Hyman on their first unit, and the Leafs have Bunting on their second (when everyone is healthy).  Hyman Plays 2 minutes per game on the PK, but Bunting does not kill penalties.