Player agent confirms that the Leafs have not engaged in contract extension talks with his client
The Leafs have experienced significant change season over season for the last few years, thanks in large to the team's financial commitments to Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and John Tavares, all of whom make $10.9M-$11.6M per season. With the core 4, and now Morgan Rielly, all on large contracts, it may not leave a whole lot of room for the extension that winger Michael Bunting deserves.
Per Paul Capizzano, Bunting's agent, he and the Leafs have not yet engaged in any contract talks. It's no secret that Bunting, a Scarborough, ON native, would like to remain in Toronto. In a perfect world, I'm sure the Leafs would love to bring him back. However, with the recent announcement from Commissioner Gary Bettman regarding next year's salary cap remaining relatively flat, there may not be a whole lot of money to go around - especially if Jake Muzzin is healthy enough to return next season.
After posting 63 points as a rookie last season, Bunting is within striking distance of the 60-point plateau again this year. Real Kyper and Bourne's Nick Kypreos believes that Bunting's cap hit will very likely exceed $4M. I think that's a pretty safe bet. He may even reach the $5M range if he goes to the open market.
On the off chance that Bunting does decide to take another sweetheart deal in Toronto, it won't be another $950K per season. However, if the Leafs were willing to offer a deal with a much longer term that would keep Bunting at home for the remainder of his career, say 7 or 8 seasons, perhaps the team could talk him down below the $4M AAV mark. We'll have to wait and see.
