Toronto Maple Leafs UFAs: Michael Bunting
The Toronto Maple Leafs signed Michael Bunting to one of the best contracts two years ago when the Toronto native came home on a two-year deal that paid an average annual salary of $950,000. (all cap info capfriendly.com).
Over those two seasons, Bunting scored 23-goals in each year and recorded 112 points over 161 games.
By the midpoint this past season people predicted that Bunting would see a long-term deal in around $4.5-$5 Million.
However, not only did Bunting struggle in the second half of the season, he was almost invisible in the playoffs, which included a three-game suspension.
In his final 24 games of the regular season, the former Greyhound collected just four goals and nine points while averaging less than 15 minutes per game.
In the playoffs, the Toronto Maple Leafs were just 2-5 with him in the line-up while he collected just one goal. In the final four games of the Panthers series, Bunting recorded only one assist.
Due to his lack of play during his final months in Toronto, Bunting likely gave up a couple years and several million on his big shot of cashing in playing with some of the leagues best players.
Prediction: 3 years, $3.5M AAV with the Pittsburgh Penguins