Confirmed with Link: Leafs sign Michael Bunting to a 2 year contract (950k AAV)

Leafsfan74

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Jul 2, 2018
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We need to put him with Tavares. I feel like we haven't used Tavares' strength as well as we should. He's made so many players good. PA Parenteau, Matt Moulson, Bailey, Grabner, Okposo etc. He does well with lesser talent we should really go with 2 decent players with Tavares and allow Nylander and Kerfoot to play on the same line like they did in the playoffs to give us three dangerous lines.

In theory, he is a depth player. However, when you have finishers on a line, you just need forecheck/net presence etc. Balance on a line, if you will. If they function well as a line together that's all that matters.

It's what I thought Galchenyuk brought, and it worked. Gally would be a reasonable resigning for the Leafs if they can pull it off. How can they replace Hyman though?

I also worry about the loss of Bogosian. Big, physical D Men are what we need come playoffs.
 

Mess

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Feb 27, 2002
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I know alot of you guys have been salivating over this guy for the past few days. But I gotta be honest. I have no idea who the f*** he is!! :laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

What kind of a player is he? And what does he bring to the table.

You're simply be honest, as I can't imagine a lot of Leaf fans have ever seen him play in the NHL, as he only has 26 games and hard to believe many Leaf fans were checking in on the Phoenix Coyotes down the stretch for their last few games of the season in case they cut him loose. :)

I only remember him from his OHL Soo days when finding out more about him during his entry draft year back in 2014. His linemate Jared McCann whom the Leafs had shortly last week was the main attraction in the Soo that people were checking in on however at that time as he was a projected 1st round pick, whereas Bunting was a late 4th rounder.

He played 6 seasons in the AHL so maybe some fans might recall him playing against the Marlies in the past 6 years, but career 10-13 AHL annual goal scores don't draw a lot of attention truth be told.
 
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LeafGrief

Shambles in my brain
Apr 10, 2015
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Can't complain at that price point. Great deal, seems like he's a solid player with plenty of upside. He's not going to shoot 26%, but if he can be an NHL player for two years at 950k, this is a good deal.
 

htpwn

Registered User
Nov 4, 2009
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Toronto
The underrated part of this contract is that second year. If he doesn't work out, fine/whatever, but if he breaks out? That gives us badly needed cost certainty next year.
 
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barilko05

NHL FAN
Jan 28, 2011
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Fully (or close to) "buryable" cap hit, good term as a show-me to see if it's a fluke. This is one of my favorite Dubas moves. Really great signing all around.
FYI
Cap ceiling to bury went up to just over 1m a couple of years ago so no worries on anything under that any more. This one is fully sinkable if it doesn't work out.
 

Griffin76

Registered User
May 17, 2014
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$7.35 too high on the AAV.

Isn't that how it works around here? :sarcasm:

Joking aside I was thinking it would cost Engvall money. Very pleased.
 

Twine Tickler

Registered User
Apr 5, 2010
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Vancouver


I won't pretend to know anything about this kid other than what I've read on him. But his highlight pack from last year and the goals he scored kind of remind me of Hyman. Even the celebrations are eerily similar lol.

Really love the 2nd year too. A really good deal for him as well, he should get a lot of opportunity to get paid big in 2 years if he can play up the lineup, which I suspect he will. Seemed to play alot with AZ's top guys last year from the highlight pack at least
 
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Havoc

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Jul 25, 2009
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I won't pretend to know anything about this kid other than what I've read on him. But his highlight pack from last year and the goals he scored kind of remind me of Hyman. Even the celebrations are eerily similar lol.

Really love the 2nd year too. A really good deal for him as well, he should get a lot of opportunity to get paid big in 2 years if he can play up the lineup, which I suspect he will. Seemed to play alot with AZ's top guys last year from the highlight pack at least

Snuck behind Makar on first goal.

Made Theodore look silly on the 5th.

Not easy tasks. Welcome aboard.
 

Mr Knies Guy

Registered User
Jul 5, 2008
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FYI
Cap ceiling to bury went up to just over 1m a couple of years ago so no worries on anything under that any more. This one is fully sinkable if it doesn't work out.
Thanks, awesome, I thought so but wasn't entirely sure.
 

ToneDog

56 years and counting. #FireTheShanaClan!
Jun 11, 2017
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Richmond Hill, ON
I feel like our board deserves some credit for this signing. Some of our posters were talking about Bunting over a month ago and Dubas was probably lurking :sarcasm:

In all seriousness, really solid deal.
I've never seen him play and only know of his existence due to this board. If he soils the bed I am blaming those guys. :sarcasm:
 
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ACC1224

Super Elite, Passing ALL Tests since 2002
Aug 19, 2002
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Safe to say that this guy can play anywhere in the lineup?
 

ToneDog

56 years and counting. #FireTheShanaClan!
Jun 11, 2017
24,066
22,412
Richmond Hill, ON
I know alot of you guys have been salivating over this guy for the past few days. But I gotta be honest. I have no idea who the f*** he is!! :laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

What kind of a player is he? And what does he bring to the table.

Thinking all that salivating got Bunting a couple more Dubie dollars. He owes hfboards big.
 

kb

Registered User
Aug 28, 2009
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Thinking all that salivating got Bunting a couple more Dubie dollars. He owes hfboards big.
Not even close.

He was looking at Engvall+ money on a 1 year deal, let alone 2 years under a million.
 
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Nylanderthal

Registered User
Jun 9, 2010
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It’s not league minimum for 7 years on a two way deal? Roflmao Dubas the clowwwwnnnnnnnn.
 

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