Confirmed Signing with Link: [TOR] Michael Bunting signs with the Maple Leafs (2 years, $900k AAV)

[AcerComputer]

guy was on pace for 40 goals last year. Surprised we got him for near league minimum!

 

[Mugzy97]

He's a gritty shit disturber with a scoring touch. Think of someone like Komarov, though that would probably be his peak.

Poor man's Brad Marchand?

 

[A1LeafNation]

Who would you trust, @MMC or Bob Mckenzie?

Eliott Friedman says 900k

 

[al secord]

"Scarborough, Scarborough, Scarborough!"

 

[Artorius Horus T]

2013 Draft 117th overall (Coyotes)

13-14 season in the OHL : 20 goals, 28 assists in 57 games (total)
14-15 season in the OHL : 46 goals, 42 assists in 71 games (total)
15-16 season in the AHL/ECHL : 13 goals, 14 assists in 70 games (total)
16-17 season in the AHL : 13 goals, 15 assists in 67 games
17-18 season in the AHL : 26 goals, 21 assists in 76 games (total)
18-19 season in the AHL : 19 goals, 22 assists in 50 games
18-19 season in the NHL : 1 goal in 5 games
19-20 season in the AHL : 12 goals, 37 assists in 56 games
20-21 season in the AHL : 7 goals, 12 assists in 13 games
20-21 season in the NHL : 10 goals, 3 assists in 21 games

312 career pims in the AHL

is 5 foot 11 and weighs 200 pounds.

Pretty avg AHL career, (thou from 18 -> he has been good), 1 x small sample NHL season at 25.
- not sure why Leafs got him, but i guess he can fill a 3rd/4th line spot for them?

Cheap contract, because that's the only types Leafs can sign, low risk, low reward player

 

[Artorius Horus T]

Wait....was this the Yotes guy that i made a thread...

 

[Artorius Horus T]

Who scored several highlight reel goals in a row and i was wondering who the heck was this dude and why was he scoring so often
had never heard of him , yeah thats the guy, he had that great hatty

 

[seanlinden]

The risk is him not Being able to fill the slot you had for him then you have a hole in your roster midway through the season

That's a very fair point... could also be right at the beginning of the season.

Ultimately, I think the Leafs, between Robertson, Bunting, Mikheyev could somewhat safely rely on getting a 2nd and 3rd line winger out of.

I guess the real question to me is -- what else does Dubas do? Does he get another #3C and put Kerfoot in the top 6? Does he find a way to make another bonafide top 6 winger work? or does he move Kerfoot and try to convert his cap space to 2 players?

 

[PAZ]

Amazing deal, zero risk.

 

[The List Of Jericho]

Michael Bunting is a soon to be 26-year-old who has played 26 games in his entire career. He had an extremely short run with a ridiculous shooting percentage. Now he's supposed to be a top 6 winger on a "contender"? Desperation. Good luck with it!

Lmao who stated anything of the sort? What a ridiculous take. This is a great value deal

 

[jetsforever]

Good deal

 

[seanlinden]

While I really like this acquisition, I just hope that this isn't the extent of improvement Dubas is seeking.

Between Mikheyev, Robertson, and Bunting, you probably get 1 top 6 winger, and 1 3rd line winger. Between Engvall, Simmonds & Spezza, likely another 3rd liner, and 2 guys to put on your 4th. Brooks as a likely 13th /14th forward.

To me, there's still a fairly good sized hole on the left side in the top 6, and maybe an opportunity to get somebody more "purposeful" than Alex Kerfoot in the #3C role.

 

[nturn06]

My #1 target. Let’s go

Cheap Hyman replacement.

Cheap replacement seems to be the theme in Toronto since Dubas signed the big 4...

 

[ER89]

I appreciate the measured reply, unlike so many in your fanbase. I actually agree with you for the most part, it's a no-risk signing with some potential upside. But it's most likely a nothing move for a 3rd-liner at best, which just gets a lot of press because of media hype.

I mean you didn't get a measured reply from most because your take was silly

 

[johnnybbadd]

If he makes the team and plays 60 games on the 4th line his contract is worth it. I think he will have a bigger role on the team and be an absolute steal.

 

[Once]

Guy just parks himself in front of the net and is a pest. Exactly what is needed. Not sure he answers any of the Leafs top 6 LW problems though.. perhaps slots in from time to time.

 

[Coachcorner]

Ye

guy was on pace for 40 goals last year. Surprised we got him for near league minimum!

s sire. This man will be one of the biggest fishes and catches this off season Congratulations toronto maple leafs of getting! This is huge for the team and low paper. Stacking that still, what!

 

[Leaf Fans]

2013 Draft 117th overall (Coyotes)

13-14 season in the OHL : 20 goals, 28 assists in 57 games (total)
14-15 season in the OHL : 46 goals, 42 assists in 71 games (total)
15-16 season in the AHL/ECHL : 13 goals, 14 assists in 70 games (total)
16-17 season in the AHL : 13 goals, 15 assists in 67 games
17-18 season in the AHL : 26 goals, 21 assists in 76 games (total)
18-19 season in the AHL : 19 goals, 22 assists in 50 games
18-19 season in the NHL : 1 goal in 5 games
19-20 season in the AHL : 12 goals, 37 assists in 56 games
20-21 season in the AHL : 7 goals, 12 assists in 13 games
20-21 season in the NHL : 10 goals, 3 assists in 21 games

312 career pims in the AHL

is 5 foot 11 and weighs 200 pounds.

Pretty avg AHL career, (thou from 18 -> he has been good), 1 x small sample NHL season at 25.
- not sure why Leafs got him, but i guess he can fill a 3rd/4th line spot for them?

Cheap contract, because that's the only types Leafs can sign, low risk, low reward player

We signed the goalie to a competitive contract, so much for your BS.

 

[hotcabbagesoup]

Wow what a steal. Bunting was great in ARI and in the World Championships. High motor, good amount of skill, lots of potential.

 

[FerrisRox]

Just looking at his numbers, and although a small sample, he can put up points. Does he replace Hyman and play top 6?

 

[Theodore450]

That's a very fair point... could also be right at the beginning of the season.

Ultimately, I think the Leafs, between Robertson, Bunting, Mikheyev could somewhat safely rely on getting a 2nd and 3rd line winger out of.

I guess the real question to me is -- what else does Dubas do? Does he get another #3C and put Kerfoot in the top 6? Does he find a way to make another bonafide top 6 winger work? or does he move Kerfoot and try to convert his cap space to 2 players?

It’s gonna be tough, I figured they would move kerfoot to get better depth on the wings and use Engvall at C

 

[Puckclektr]

What’s so funny?

 

[Hitemwith4]

who is this guy seems like just ahler maybe 3rd/4th liner

 

[ToDavid]

Michael Bunting is a soon to be 26-year-old who has played 26 games in his entire career. He had an extremely short run with a ridiculous shooting percentage. Now he's supposed to be a top 6 winger on a "contender"? Desperation. Good luck with it!

Yes, because a $900k contract clearly screams "saviour of the franchise".

 

[DeysArena]

This is a great low-risk, high-reward signing.