Player Profile: Michael Bunting

Michael Bunting celebrates goal
Michael Bunting celebrates goal Photo credit: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Bunting Drafted in 2014 by Arizona

 During the 2014 NHL Draft, the Arizona Coyotes selected Scarborough native Michael Bunting in the fourth round. Michael was the 117th overall selection after playing in the OHL with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Bunting’s 2013-14 season saw him score fifteen goals and twenty-seven assists for forty-two points. Bunting’s road to the National Hockey League wasn’t necessarily the traditional path. Bunting was initially passed on in consecutive OHL Drafts until 2013. The gritty forward was drafted in the ninth round of the 2013 OHL Priority Draft by Sault Ste. Marie. After playing his U18 season with the Don Mills Flyers AAA in the GTHL, he completed two seasons in the OHL with the Greyhounds. After his stint in the OHL, Michael moved to the AHL with a spot on the Springfield Falcons.

Bunting’s NHL Career to Date

After a brief seven game stint in the ECHL with the Rapid City Rush, Michael alternated between the Tucson Roadrunners and the Arizona Coyotes. It wasn’t until the 2018 season that Michael Bunting finally made his NHL debut. He had a brief stint with the Coyotes, as he played in five games, only scoring a goal for his single point. After being sent back to Tucson, when Michael got his second opportunity in the NHL, he ran with it and never looked back. Michael scored ten goals and three assists for thirteen points in twenty-one games as a late-season call-up. 

    After a rapid finish with the Arizona Coyotes, Michael’s future was as big a question mark as ever. The Scarborough native needed a contract after the season and decided to sign with the Maple Leafs. At first glance, this move might have surprised many, but if you dive into the underlying, you’ll find your answer. It’s more than just his hometown team. Michael was part of the Sault Ste. Marie team that played under Head Coach Sheldon Keefe and General Manager  Kyle Dubas. 

    Michael Bunting’s National Hockey League career certainly isn’t deep yet, but he certainly is on the rise to having a great career. A breakout season with the Maple Leafs last season saw him as a Calder trophy finalist. Michael scored twenty-three goals and forty assists in seventy-nine games. The gritty,hard-driven forward played alongside Maple Leafs stars Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. In one hundred and eight games, Michael has an impressive seventy-nine points. Michael’s style of play isn’t necessarily going to blow you away, and he’s a solid net-front guy and extremely reliable. He keeps the game simple and contributes offensively when needed, which is the exact fit you’d want on a line with two superstars. Bunting’s a straight-line forward with some speed and isn’t afraid to play with a chip on his shoulder. Michael’s a great modern-day hockey player and should be admired by many. 

Bunting’s Contract Status

    Michael Bunting is currently in the second year of a two-year deal with the Leafs worth $950,000 per season. Michael Bunting’s salary for the 2022-23 season is listed at $1,150,000. His first contract was a three-year entry-level contract in 2015 with the Arizona Coyotes. The deal was worth $2,077,500 and carried an annual cap hit of $692,500. Michael Bunting has signed four contracts over his career valued at $6,865,000. It’s obviously going to be a nice pay raise for the 27-year-old forward on his next contract this summer.

Challenging Coaches and Coaches' Challenges Leafs Late Night

WELCOME BACK TO LEAFS LATE NIGHT! Presented by Inside The RinkRoscoe / Suthy – Sizing Up The Enemy- Tit for Tort- Squashington- New Rules- Shohei The Golden BoyNEW MERCH IS AVAILABLE!JOIN OUR DISCORD!Remember to follow us on Twitter @LeafsLateNight & IG @LeafsLateNightCheck out Mike, Josh, and Nathan's articles on the Leafs + many more! insidetherink.comHow to support us and our sponsors:TicketmasterColumbia Sports ApparelESPN+ SubscriptionFanaticsDraft Kings – CODE ITR
  1. Challenging Coaches and Coaches' Challenges
  2. If Refs Could Turn Back Time
  3. The Art of The Deadline
  4. The Colonization of Robidas Island
  5. The Hat Store Called, They're Runnin' Outta Hats

Joshua Anselmo

A hockey mind that's always looking at new and insightful ways to bring different perspectives of the game we all love.

30 thoughts on “Player Profile: Michael Bunting

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

PHOTOS: Boston Bruins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning – 03/27/2024

TAMPA, Fla – The Boston Bruins came to town for a mid-week matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night, with the Lightning taking a 3-1 victory. This extends their point streak to eight games. Tampa’s Mitchell Chaffee scored the game’s first goal on a backhand feed from Nick Paul, chipping the puck past […]

Read More
Game Preview: Detroit Red Wings vs. Carolina Hurricanes 3/28/2024

Game Preview: Detroit Red Wings vs. Carolina Hurricanes 3/28/2024

The Detroit Red Wings continue their road trip by taking on the Carolina Hurricanes tonight.

Read More

NHL Game Preview: Edmonton Oilers vs. Los Angeles Kings | 03/28/2024

The vibe for this article would be different if the Jets scored the game-winner on a late powerplay that they shouldn’t have gotten. Before I explain, just so I don’t sound that much like a homer, the Oilers had no business blowing that 2 goal lead in the third period. You’d think after killing off […]

Read More