Bunting The Poll

[Bluelines]

Pace after 3 games? And xgf? Really? He’s a very mediocre skater, doesn’t have the explosiveness to forecheck and pressure the defense like Hyman does. I’m sure there’s no stat to quantify what Hyman does best so I see how you could be confused.

That said, Bunting has some shades of a poor mans Brendan Gallagher. For less than a million, that’s a solid player.

… but since you’re doing pace, could you post the Mrazek vs Anderson stuff again? That was funny.

In his short Maple Leafs career, 5 or 6 games, that I've seen him play, it's pretty obvious the guy has good instincts and is willing to play deep in the slot. He reads the play quickly and is a challenge for the defending players, you can see it in their reaction to him, you don't lose your mind over a player who is not threating your position. TBH I wasn't really watching for speed, just impressed with his Hockey IQ.

 

[Bluelines]

I’ve been thinking for a few years now,I wish we had someone like
Gallagher in our lineup.

Gallagher, Marchand, the two Tkachuk's, different skill levels between the 4 of them but they all have that same gamer attitude. That you just want to punch in the face every game. Bunting seems to be that gamer that opposing players. He is extremely good at drawing PIM's.

 

[Bluelines]

King Maple Rat endorses the protégée.

 

[sparxx87]

In the short Maple Leafs career, 5 or 6 games, that I've seen him play, it's pretty obvious the guy has good instincts and is willing to play deep in the slot. He reads the play quickly and is a challenge for the defending players, you can see it in their reaction to him, you don't lose your mind over a player who is not threating your position. TBH I wasn't really watching for speed, just impressed with his Hockey IQ.

Indeed. What he lacks in skill and physical ability he makes up for in hard work and smart play. Just hope the body holds up through the physically unforgiving game he plays.

Tenacious worker, late bloomer and hometown kid. Tough not to cheer for him.

 

[Bomber0104]

Little to no players on the Leafs roster who are absolutely enthused to crash the net and get themselves in the slot.

Welcome aboard.

 

[A1LeafNation]

The top line is Bunting Matthews Marner.

You can't change my mind.

 

[Anthrax442]

So far he is.

27gl/55pt pace, 60.3xgf%

Also.. Hyman 5 years ago wasnt Hyman now.

 

[bax]

More than anything I want Tucker 2.0, but he has to earn that, he is on the right track though. I'm a fan.

this is exactly my thought too. So far he’s been great and I hope it keeps up.

 

[Bomber0104]

The top line is Bunting Matthews Marner.

You can't change my mind.

It won't be long for this to happen, IMO.

I can't see Ritchie working for that line at all.

 

[MagicalRazor]

He's OK

3 Games in , i'll reevaluate at 20 games .

 

[TheProspector]

So far he is.

27gl/55pt pace, 60.3xgf%

That’s significantly better than than Hyman’s most productive season, 21gl/41pt … from 4 years ago.

 

[zeke]

That’s significantly better than than Hyman’s most productive season, 21gl/41pt … from 4 years ago.

Eh....hyman's been at a legit 30gl/60pt pace the past couple years. Pretty great.

Though arguably in the cushiest offensive role in hockey.

 

[Bluelines]

The top line is Bunting Matthews Marner.

You can't change my mind.

I wouldn't be opposed, he does not look like he fits with Willie. They seem to want to play in the same areas. Maybe better chemistry comes with time?

 

[Bluelines]

It won't be long for this to happen, IMO.

I can't see Ritchie working for that line at all.

Yep, Ritchie, so far, is exactly what I feared he would be, a player who produces little and takes dumb PIM's.

 

[Face Of Bear]

Bunting is a greasy little rat and I love it

 

[Albus Dumbledore]

He's averaging at least a scrap a game, which is amazing. Not trying to beat a dead horse here but the team is pretty Fiesty. With adding Bunting, Ritchie etc.. to the team with Simmonds, Muzzin. When was the last leafs team that was this tough?

 

[Christ]

Would love it if he develops into a Tucker like player...need this kind of player desperately.

 

[ACC1224]

Would love it if he develops into a Tucker like player...need this kind of player desperately.

Any idea if he can fight?
Watched him live for the first time Saturday. This kid is going to be a fan favourite very quickly

 

[Sypher04]

Yep, Ritchie, so far, is exactly what I feared he would be, a player who produces little and takes dumb PIM's.

He’s taken one single penalty and no one seemed to have any issue with it at the time.

He has more to give, Matthews joining the line will no doubt help, but he’s been largely fine in his role so far. The only people jumping to conclusions that he is and won’t be a good fit there this season already are the people who had already made up their minds about him before he stepped on the ice.

He’s been parked in front of the goalie constantly (which only really is helpful when your line mates hit the net (which Marner and even Tavares a bit have been missing wide a lot), has 12 hits, a few shots, been the screen on a goal even if he got no points on it. He’s going to improve as develops some chemistry one would hope, and while he hasn’t been a good fit yet, he certainly hasn’t played poorly either

 

[BrannigansLaw]

Would love it if he develops into a Tucker like player...need this kind of player desperately.

Tucker was borderline insane when he played. When he gave you those crazy eyes, you knew it was going to get real intense real quick. Loved him and those runs we had while he was a Leaf.

Bunting has soooo far to go to get to his level. Here’s to hoping.

 

[ottomaddox]

Keep going Bunting.

Good start so far.

Go Leafs Go!

 

[TMLAM34]

He’s definitely been a nice surprise. I wouldn’t say he’s Tucker like already but he’s got the tools to be. This is the kind of players we need more of.

 

[Clark4Ever]

He's a poor man's Brad Marchand. I'll take that all day long at his cap hit.

 

[Aus34Matt]

Bunting in a loose-puck battle in crease is a beauty.

 

[123offtheglass]

What this team needed, a greasy little rat