Auston Matthews fires a shot at linemate Michael Bunting during pre-game media session
The Leafs are coming into Monday's game against the Arizona Coyotes with a 2-1-0 record, which very well could have been a 3-0-0 stretch, were it not for a late-game collapse against the Montreal Canadiens on opening night.
Given the team's struggles against inferior competition, it's really anyone's guess what to expect from the team tonight.
However, Auston Matthews and John Tavares both have a Auston Matthews and John Tavares facing possible milestone situations tonight against the Coyotes, so we know at least two guys are going to come to play.
Following the morning skate, Matthews was among those who spoke with the media briefly. Among the topics of discussion were his reaction to the news that Wayne Simmonds was back with the team, his own increased physical play and the trash talking ability (or a lack thereof) from linemate Michael Bunting. Of Bunting's trash talking, Matthews said he's "hit or miss".
Bunting is a player who thrives on the chaos that he creates for the opposition. His relentless effort, desire to get under the skin of the opposition (which includes chirping and trash talk) and his penchant for playing in the dirty areas of the ice have made Bunting a solid addition to this Leafs team.
He certainly checks a lot of boxes. He's also grown quite close with Matthews and Mitch Marner as well, for what that's worth.
Bunting is a pending UFA and, while the Leafs are reportedly willing to consider a long-term deal for the 27-year-old, he doesn't exactly have a long track record to draw from, so a projection for his AAV could provide some unique challenges, especially if he puts together another 63+ point season.
| POLL | ||
17 OCTOBRE | 246 ANSWERS Auston Matthews fires a shot at linemate Michael Bunting during pre-game media session What is a fair AAV for Michael Bunting on his next deal? | ||
| Under $3M per season | 86 | 35 % |
| Up to $4M per season | 112 | 45.5 % |
| Nothing over $5M per season | 39 | 15.9 % |
| Other | 9 | 3.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
