The last two seasons forward Michael Bunting has been a bargain for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is coming off a $950K/year Leafs salary cap hit and he will be seeking a big raise.
Bunting, 27, is a unrestricted free agent and will be seeking a salary in the $4-$5 million/year range. He will want a contract comparable to Ilya Mikheyev, who signed a four-year, $4.75 million/year deal with the Vancouver Canucks last season.
TSN Insider says Michael Bunting will not be back with the Leafs
TSN NHL Insider Chris Johnston stated on his own podcast that the Toronto Maple Leafs will not be re-signing their leading agitator Michael Bunting to a new contract.
Over the past two seasons playing with the Maple Leafs Bunting has averaged 23 goals and 33 assists to go along with a solid average of a +24 rating.
Playing with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner for a good chunk of those two seasons has helped Bunting pad his stats and now he is looking to be paid.
His idiotic play against Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak in the playoffs did not sit well with the Leaf fan base and likely hurt his cause with re-signing with the Leafs.
What are Leaf fans saying about the team not re-signing Michael Bunting?
I see the Ottawa Senators targeting Michael Bunting. He would be a great fit for the team.
I heard Bunting is seeking a deal worth 7 x $5,500,000. Good luck to him. If a team pays for that, they are soooo pooched.
Bunting will be signing with the Minnesota Wild on a $4.5 million/year deal. Book it.
