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The Next Michael Bunting: Group 6 UFA’s for the Toronto Maple Leafs

By Mike Jack

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 17: Michael Bunting #58 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on February 17, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Penguins 4-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 17: Michael Bunting #58 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on February 17, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Penguins 4-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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Edmonton Oilers, Cooper Marody
Dec 18, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Cooper Marody (65) is pictured before a game against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports /

Cooper Marody – Centre/RW –

7 Games
0 Goals
1 Point

He might not have much NHL experience, but if any Group 6 UFA forward is going to have a major impact on the Toronto Maple Leafs, it’s going to be Cooper Marody.  He’s a classic case of an NHL ready player who hasn’t been given a chance.

Offensively, he’s proven that can dominate in the NCAA and the AHL.  In 2018, he was named to the NCAA B1G First All-Star Team and the NCAA West Second All-American Team while leading the NCAA B1G with 51 points in 40 games. (stats from EliteProspects)

Though he’s known more for his playmaking ability, he led the AHL in goal scoring in 2020-21 with 21 goals in 39 games.  In 182 total AHL games, he has 67 goals and 175 points.  Last season he had 21 goals and 55 points in 52 AHL games.

Despite all his minor league success, Cooper Marody has only appeared in one NHL game since the 2018-19 season.  He recorded an assist in his only NHL game last season, and he was sent back down to AHL two days later.

He’s also a defensively conscience player, and at 6’0, he’s slightly below average height for an NHL player, but he’s certainly not a small player.  I can’t understand why he hasn’t been given a chance with the Edmonton Oilers, but this guy defiantly needs to sign with a new team.

I could see him fitting in a few different position on the Toronto Maple Leafs.  At best, he could play on the Leafs second line dishing pucks to John Tavares and William Nylander.  At worst, he’s an elite AHL scorer ready and waiting for a call up.  This is a player the Leafs should definitely take a chance on.

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