Confirmed with Link: Leafs sign Michael Bunting to a 2 year contract (950k AAV)

[Buds17]

Before Bunting Mania starts this season can we reflect on his 26 Career NHL games.

Many fans are making a lot of Jack Campbell's 86 NHL starts, nothing about Bunting? How is it that he deserves to be in the top 6 on TOR?

Some fans have him playing along side Matthews and Marner.

What gives?

I think it's typically been the Keefe (and Dubas?) way to start the new players off with an opportunity. That might also be why Bunting apparently turned down more lucrative offers elsewhere. A struggling winger can also be dropped down in the lineup whereas a starting goalie that's struggling is going to the bench.

 

[Buds17]

Hyman at just 16 career NHL games before his first full rookie season where he started alongside Matthews.


Like with any gamble it either works or it doesn't. Can't find out unless you play the guy

Agreed. Bunting is also even a bit older than Hyman was at that time. It's not as though it would be like putting the equivalent calibre of player into that spot shortly after selecting him in the entry draft.