Michael Bunting's Reputation Hasn't Changed After Latest Preseason Game

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Pat Quinn
October 2, 2023 (1:55)

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Michael Bunting went from «older prospect finally developing into an NHLer» for the Arizona Coyotes to «top-six player» for the Toronto Maple Leafs when he signed as a free agent in Toronto for two-years with a cap hit of $950,000.

After his contract expired, Michael Bunting went to the UFA market as a highly sought-after free agent, as the Maple Leafs chose not to give him the contract he wanted. On day one of free agency, Bunting signed with the Carolina Hurricanes, a three-year contract for a total of $13.5 million.

Time In Toronto

After signing with Toronto, Michael Bunting immediately clicked with Auston Matthews and registered 112 points, 46 of those being goals, in 161 games. He only ever missed three games in his two-season tenure with injury.

Bunting is also known as a feisty player who annoys the opposition and constantly stirs up trouble. That is easily seen, as he amassed 183 penalty minutes in his time in Toronto. Not only did he annoy the opposition but he also annoyed the referees. They caught up with the act and his reputation went down hill over the course of last season which is one of the reasons the Maple Leafs let him walk as a UFA.

Preseason So Far

In two preseason games so far, Michael Bunting has three points, two of those being goals, as the Hurricanes are 1-1 with him in the line-up so far. The season has not even started, but Bunting looks to be a great upgrade for Carolina.

It looks like Bunting's reputation continues where it left off last season as he has also spent alot of time in the penalty box. He was called for a penalty on three separate occasions last Friday which comes to no surprise for Maple Leafs Fans. That is probably more than the Hurricanes would like, but penalties come where Michael Bunting goes.

Head Coach Rod Brind'Amour may prefer Bunting take a lot less penalties, but thankfully the team is great on the penalty kill. Additionally, if Bunting can keep up the scoring, then his penalties taken may not seem that bad.

As Read On Carolina Hockey Now - The Bunting Experience in Full Effect With Hurricanes