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Toronto Maple Leafs: Bunting’s Contract Hinges on Playoff Performance

By Cristian Battaglia

RALEIGH, NC - MARCH 25: Michael Bunting #58 of the Toronto Maple Leafs looks on during the first period of the a game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena on March 25, 2023 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Hurricanes defeat Leafs 5-3. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - MARCH 25: Michael Bunting #58 of the Toronto Maple Leafs looks on during the first period of the a game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena on March 25, 2023 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Hurricanes defeat Leafs 5-3. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images) /
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Michael Bunting has had an up and down year for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season.

The Toronto Maple Leafs first-line left-winger started the year with five points in the month of October, followed it up with ten in November and 11 in December.

The Scarborough native ended the 2022-23 campaign with 49 points in 82 games, 14 less than his totals last season.

Though his 1.94 5v5 points per 60 was very solid.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Bunting’s Contract Hinges on Playoff Performance

Kyle Dubas was heavily praised with the signing of Bunting that came in at a two-year, 900k AAV cap hit. The 27-year-old has been relied on by head coach Sheldon Keefe averaging over 15 minutes a night this season.

However, we are now in year two. The final year of Buntings contract, which makes Leaf fans wonder, what will his next contract look like and will his performance in the playoffs increase his value?

Earlier in the season, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun stated that the Leafs have been in touch with Bunting’s camp, but nothing is official.

There have been thoughts around the Leafs fan base of what Bunting’s next contract should look like but just like the World Cup, if a player has a really good outing, you can expect a team to pay the big bucks in order to acquire their services.

In 2022, we saw Cody Gakpo get signed to Liverpool long-term after being a bright spot on Netherlands, it wouldn’t be surprising if the same happens to Bunting.

Michael is a talented player and fits well on the Leafs roster. Ideally the Leafs would want to keep him. Bunting wants to stay in Toronto. It’s safe to say he loves home cooking, and who wouldn’t? You get to see your family more, you know the area, it certainly has it’s benefits.

Personally, I think there is a lot more risk then there is reward from Kyle Dubas waiting to pay Bunting. If he goes on a really good run, he may not be affordable for the Leafs, thus losing him for nothing. In my opinion, locking Bunting down to an eight-year-deal may be too lengthy but it could bring the AAV down.

Next. Possible Big Playoff Performers. dark

Regardless of his playoff performance, Bunting’s AAV next season will be much higher than 900k. If he has a fantastic showing in the postseason, expect Bunting’s asking price to increase even more, but that may leave the Leafs with a big decision, do they give Bunting the money or do they let him go?

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