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Toronto Maple Leafs Full of Pleasant Surprises This Season

By Jeremy Ridgewell

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 18: Pierre Engvall #47 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the New York Rangers during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on November 18, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Rangers 2-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 18: Pierre Engvall #47 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the New York Rangers during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on November 18, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Rangers 2-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 16: Michael Bunting #58 of the Toronto Maple Leafs  .(Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

Michael Bunting

Toronto fans knew very little of Michael Bunting, if anything at all.

He played 26 games over two seasons with the Arizona Coyotes, registering 14 points. Bunting signed a two-year deal with Toronto worth $950,000 a season. He is making a name for himself in his first full NHL season and doing it for his hometown team.

Bunting has 23 goals and 40 assists for 63 points in 79 games this season. Those 63 points have him leading all rookies in scoring, and he’s one of the NHL’s top scoring players at 5v5.  His style of play, scoring ability, and chemistry with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner earned him a spot on the top line.

Fans didn’t know who would replace Zach Hyman on the top line, but they do now. The line of Bunting, Marner and Matthews is the best trio in the NHL, combining for 264 points. Each of them will be looking to make an impact in the playoffs.

Bunting recently suffered a lower-body injury, and it is unknown how long he will be out. The team is hopeful that he will be ready for the playoffs next week.

When a team adds new players, they do so with the hope that everything works out. For the most part, it has worked out for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Next. Top 11 Reasons Why This Year Is Different. dark

Adding Kampf, Kase, and Bunting has improved the team. Getting good production from Mikheyev and Engvall has improved the team also. I think Toronto finally has the depth to do some damage in the playoffs.

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