Bunting is preparing to eclipse Hyman's best season as a Leaf - with 30 games left
When the Leafs had to replace Zach Hyman in the Summer of 2021, they went with an approach of replacing him by committee. The Leafs did some bargain bin shopping and signed Michael Bunting, Ondrej Kase, David Kampf, and Nick Ritchie. While the latter did not work out and was offloaded to the Arizona Coyotes, Bunting, Kampf, and Kase have all been excellent additions for the Leafs - and for a fraction of the price - something that's incredibly important in a salary cap league.
Hyman is having a Hyman-like season for the Oilers. He has 35 points in 46 games and continues to play his style, this time on Edmonton's top line with Connor McDavid. Luckily, the Leafs were able to find someone who is producing at the much better rate than Hyman was in Toronto, but making under $1 million for this season and next.
Michael Bunting has quickly become one of the most beloved players on this Leafs team. He's been the "greasy little rat" that this team has lacked ever since Nazem Kadri was traded. Bunting earned his role on the top line with his net front and finishing abilities. This season, he's shown that his high-scoring pace from 2021 was not a fluke and that he is a top-6 NHL winger.
Bunting has developed great chemistry with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. While many had thought that the top line would struggle without Hyman, Bunting has come in and helped them flourish. He's provided a little bit of everything to his line and Kyle Dubas has praised the Scarborough native as someone who drags the Leafs into the fight on a nightly basis.
For a fraction of the cap hit, Bunting is exceeding expectations and more than covering the production that was lost when Hyman left. He's got 18 goals and 22 assists for 40 points in 52 games this season and his production is only getting better. Despite being 26-years-old, he is a legitimate candidate for the Calder Trophy.
Letting Hyman walk was a tough pill to swallow but it has paid off for the Leafs. For just $3.7 million dollars, the Leafs have been able to not only replace Hyman's production and sandpaper, but they have been able to address additional roster needs, while saving money in the process.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 27 | 565 ANSWERS Bunting is preparing to eclipse Hyman's best season as a Leaf - with 30 games left Will Michael Bunting finish ahead of Zach Hyman in scoring this year? | ||
| Yes | 463 | 81.9 % |
| No | 34 | 6 % |
| It will be closer than people expect | 68 | 12 % |
| List of polls | ||
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