A well-traveled veteran, Michael Bunting has played for the Arizona Coyotes, Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes, Pittsburgh Penguins, Nashville Predators, and Dallas Stars in his seven NHL seasons.
Bunting’s best seasons were his two with the Toronto Maple Leafs, including a career-high 23 goals and 63 points in 2021-22, followed by another 23-goal performance in 2022-23. His production has tumbled since then as he’s bounced around the league, but he still has value as an agitating middle-six forward.
Completing a three-year contract, the 30-year-old Bunting earned an average annual value of $4.5 million. He won’t get that much again because of the decline in his offense. Nevertheless, his style of play and ability to play either wing could make him enticing for clubs seeking experienced checking-line depth.
Bunting could be an affordable gamble on a one-year deal as a bargain signing for half of his current AAV. His best days as a scorer are behind him, but he could see some improvement in that area with the right club.