What to expect from Michael Bunting in his second season in Toronto
When the Leafs signed Michael Bunting for 2 years at a $950,000 AAV, the response from many inside Leafs Nation was "who?"
This was a 26 year old Group 6 UFA who had just managed to crack the Arizona Coyotes lineup in the latter half of the previous season around the time the Coyotes were preparing for their annual Trade Deadline fire sale.
For many, this was another one of Dubas' low risk bargain bin signings. It doesn't hurt the team, but it won't move the needle.
Even for those that knew Bunting's story and had taken the time to look into him, Bunting was at best, a cheaper version of the departing Zach Hyman. Dubas, having signed Bunting to the Soo Greyhounds a decade ago, clearly knew better. Now we do too.
To say that Bunting exceeded expectations in his first year as a Leaf is an understatement to say the least.
The relatively unknown Scarborough native was technically a rookie last season, and he led all rookies in scoring with 63 points. His Brad Marchand-esque demeanour and 80 PIMs endeared him to old school Leafs fans.
His 4.0 GSVA endeared him to analytics fans. As a fan with one foot in each camp, I absolutely love this kid. Leafs fans finally have a player they can all agree on, Michael Bunting is awesome.
So, where does it go from here? The NHL Network is already running poorly researched.
Luckily, we have an entire season to get through before we have to worry about that. The question is, what will that season look like?
Last year, Bunting started in the bottom six and had to earn his opportunity on the top line, usurping Nick Ritchie. Yeah, remember that? Nick Ritchie started last season on the Leafs top line.
Once Bunts got a shot at the top line, it was clear he wasn't going to waste it. Bunting Matthews and Marner were arguably the best line in hockey last season. The three of them having a full 82-game schedule to work together bodes extremely well for the top of the Leafs lineup.
While Bunting is clearly benefiting from playing with two of the best players in the league, the numbers don't lie, Matthews and Marner benefit from playing with Bunting. It wouldn't surprise me in the least to see Bunting exceed last season's totals.
My official prediction: 26 goals, 47 assists for 73 points.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 4 | 526 ANSWERS What to expect from Michael Bunting in his second season in Toronto Do you think Michael Bunting will put up more than 70 points this season? | ||
| Yes | 193 | 36.7 % |
| No | 221 | 42 % |
| Only if he stays with Matthews and Marner | 112 | 21.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
