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Speculation: Michael Bunting (a realistic look at)

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He seems like he's going to fit the top-6 like a glove, but part of me wants him on a line with Kerfoot just to see how many penalties they can bait the other team into. I don't think I've seen two 5'10 guys piss more people off as a Leaf since Tucker or early Komarov.
 
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I created this thread and I will be the first to credit Dubas if Bunting plays well. So far there's seems to be a decent hockey player in the making. It's pre-season, but there's certainly is shine on him.
 
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Dude seems to have excellent instincts around the net, plus a nice shot and good hands. A bit small, but makes up for it with a good motor. Pretty solid pest.

I like what I’ve seen so far, especially at that price. Seems like he’s got a chance to be a serviceable top 6 complementary winger, who could gel well with Matthews/Marner or Tavares/Nylander, retrieving pucks and finishing near the crease. Would be a steal if he can be an adequate winger on either of our top 2 lines. Wouldn’t be surprised if he’s better than any of Kerfoot/Ritchie/Mikheyev.
 
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While preseason is only just preseason, it does help perhaps affirm that he certainly has an eye/instinct for scoring and can read the ice pretty wl (suggesting that last seasons goal scoring wasn't a complete fluke as some have hinted at).

While he may not be a 30+ goal guy he may be able to replace Hymans goal scoring rate
 
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I think he keeps his game simple, which is to hang around the net looking for tip-ins and rebounds.
If anything, Ritchie-from memories plays that way too.
So is Kase.
Think Dubas and Keefe are on to making sure the lineups can score ugly goals.
 
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He had 10 goals in 21 games, now he did shoot 25% and that's not happening again but even if he shoots 12.5% next year, assuming we get 82 games I see no reason why 20 goals is unrealistic especially if he's with Tavares and Nylander
 
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LEAFANFORLIFE23 said:
He had 10 goals in 21 games, now he did shoot 25% and that's not happening again but even if he shoots 12.5% next year, assuming we get 82 games I see no reason why 20 goals is unrealistic especially if he's with Tavares and Nylander
Click to expand...
25% is high but I wouldn't be all that shocked with a 15 - 18.5 S% considering where a majority of his shots are coming from
 
I'm not expecting crazy goal production from him but I love his style of play and think what it will bring to the team will be welcome on any line.
I was thinking 3rd line role for him but now I'm thinking top 6
 
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Based on my deep inside knowledge of the team from watching the first episode of All or Nothing, management wants players who will go to the dirty areas, and who will show our stars that the dirty areas aren’t off limits.

I think this kid is going to do that here. So the team may benefit more than just what his results show. Hopefully he breaks out. ( continuing last years pace counts as a breakout)
 
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Menzinger said:
While preseason is only just preseason, it does help perhaps affirm that he certainly has an eye/instinct for scoring and can read the ice pretty wl (suggesting that last seasons goal scoring wasn't a complete fluke as some have hinted at).

While he may not be a 30+ goal guy he may be able to replace Hymans goal scoring rate
Click to expand...

And even if he doesn't, he seems to have a style that can move up and down the lineup so that will make him useful.
 
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Bunting I predict will score 35 goals this season if he plays top 6
Dubas and Keefe know what this kid can do
He has great hands and knows how to finish
Leaf fans will probably be saying Zack who?
Go Leafs Go
 
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Bunting, Ritchie, Kampf and Kase all like to hang out around the crease. Let’s just hope other join them and make it the party zone.
Remember how Babs used to call the three zones.
 
I think 15-20 goals 40 points is a very good target bunting should aim for if he’s given a fair share of the top 6 minutes + pp2

he has impressed me so far, but it still is only preseason
 
I watched a bunch of Arizona video from last year. This is what he is. I don't know if he's on an unsustainable shooting run, but he's a legit top6 complimentary guy. He backchecks hard, forechecks hard. He battles for the puck, though he doesn't win the puck sometimes because of his size but he competes hard for it.

And he has a great stick around the net, (tip-ins, deflections, rebounds, etc). Basically exactly what the Leafs need right now. I posted this in the summer:

Line Combos: - Leafs roster [Before] & [After] and work in progress
Bunting basically played on a top line last year, facing tough opposing lines. Weirdly, he's the signing I feel most certain about after watching a bunch of his games.
Click to expand...


 
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I have loved what I've seen from him so far. Great motor/hands and instinct with a lovable attitude to boot.

What I am wondering is how he will physically hold up to an 82 game NHL season and if consistency will be an issue.

I noticed he has never played more than 67 AHL games in a season (or 70 pro - 63 AHL with 7 ECHL) and am wondering if that's him being scratched or called up to sit?

He hasn't had a season where he has missed significant time though so that sugguests he hasn't had any serious injury issues.

Anyways, there isn't much to dislike about the kid and I wish him the best and am excited to see what he can do for the Maple Leafs over the course of a full season!
 
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