Analyst discusses what Leafs forward's next contract could look like and whether or not the team can make it work
With so much focus being targeted on the upcoming playoff push, what gets swept under the rug a little bit is the impending contract negotiations between the Toronto Maple Leafs and feisty forward Michael Bunting. The 27-year-old is set to become an unrestricted free agent at season's end and is expecting a significant raise from his current 950,000$ cap hit.
On an appearance on TSN's OverDrive, Analyst Mike Johnson was asked by the host what the contract situation is between player and team. The analyst and former player responded with:
Jamie McLennan chimed in afterwards saying that if he does get signed to that contract - with the lengthy term and big dollars - he would need to be a top-6 forward and top power play unit guy, while also not forgetting that he has played with some really good players in Toronto. So would that be a worthwhile investment for Toronto or any other team?
Now the question becomes... that's probably more than the Leafs wanna pay him, can the Leafs get him on a discount because he loves Toronto, he's very proudly from Scarborough and it's really important for him to play for the Leafs, can they get him on a 6-year and maybe $3.5 million... that's plenty good value." - McLennan on Bunting
According to CapFriendly, the Leafs have a little over $9 million in projected cap space this summer with most of their money allocated to the big-4 forwards, Calle Jarnkrok, Sam Lafferty, Morgan Rielly, T.J. Brodie, Jake McCabe, Timothy Liljegren, Mark Giordano, Conor Timmins, and Matt Murray. Spending nearly half of that on Bunting might not necessarily be the best way to approach the summer.
He was technically still classified as a rookie last year but he scored 23 goals and 63 points in 79 games and has followed that up with 21 goals and 46 points in 73 games this season. He will become a popular option if he tests the free agent waters. Free agency is a bidding war and market value gets thrown out window. If he does intend on remaining a Leaf, then maybe a discounted contract can be had but this is also his best chance at securing the bag on what would be his prime years contract.
At this moment it seems like a tough question to answer and with very limited cap space, can the Leafs either: 1) make it work and sign Bunting long term or 2) get rid of some more contracts to fit in Bunting and other free agents in the summer.
The Leafs should have Nick Robertson fighting for a spot next year while still on his rookie deal. Matthew Knies should also factor into the lineup, and they always seem to find the cheap-veteran contracts on the open market, so if Bunting is a priority to the organization, it shouldn't be a problem but it all depends on whether or not the Leafs want to retain him at this point and commit significant salary to him in order to do so.
| POLL | ||
MARS 29 | 122 ANSWERS Analyst discusses what Leafs forward's next contract could look like and whether or not the team can make it work Should the Leafs pay up to retain Michael Bunting long-term? | ||
| Yes | 60 | 49.2 % |
| No | 62 | 50.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
