Bunting discusses his success in 2021-22 and reveals his goal for this upcoming season
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Michael Bunting was a "value" signing by Kyle Dubas last off-season and was not expected to put up 63 points, let alone skate alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. Signing a 2-year, $1.9M deal, Bunting was expected to fill a bottom six roll. However, once he joined the superstar tandem in mid-November, the line was unstoppable as they all posted career highs in points and goals. At 26, Bunting was the elder statesman of the Leafs' top line, but was only in his rookie season in the NHL.
It may have been some luck in the fact that Dubas knew Bunting from his time with the OHL's Soo Greyhounds, but that also meant he knew what Bunting was capable of. Bunting took the long road to the NHL and was rewarded for his hard work. "I did have success last year, but I have to repeat that and I have to keep that coming ... It took me a while to get into the NHL and I know how hard it is to get there, but it's just as easy to get out of the NHL. I want to prove that last year wasn't a fluke," said Bunting as he reflected on last season's success.
Bunting is entering the final year of his 2-year deal and will be looking for a life-changing payday come July 1, 2023 - that is unless the Leafs bet on him before then and sign him to an extension. The Leafs will be hoping the Scarborough native is willing to take a bit of a hometown discount as Morgan Rielly did when he signed his extension last season, but that won't be as easy as it sounds. As long as he stays healthy, the left wing spot on the Leafs' top line is his and he should continue to produce similarly to last season. For now though, he and Matthews are continuing their birthday celebrations before training camp begins Wednesday.
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