LeBrun: Leafs touched base with Bunting's camp this week for contract extension

[HockeyVirus]

Click to read more...

 

[Leafs87]

So an update about nothing?

 

[Colezuki]

So an update about nothing?

No steps forward is hardly nothing, means the leafs are somewhat interested in bringing him back and want to understand the number

 

[HockeyVirus]

So an update about nothing?

Considering the Leafs have let basically every UFA walk to this point, the fact they are interesting in an extension is news worthy IMO

 

[Leafs87]

Considering the Leafs have let basically every UFA walk to this point, the fact they are interesting in an extension is news worthy IMO

They were interested in both Mikheyev and Hyman

 

[Habs Halifax]

Considering the Leafs have let basically every UFA walk to this point, the fact they are interesting in an extension is news worthy IMO

Leafs have to try to figure out what kind of AAV/Term he is after. Better to do that now vs later. If they sniff that Bunting wants to cash in (like Campbell) by having very good stats playing on a very good team, he is as good as gone.

He's not a 60+ points forward on 25 NHL teams. But his agent will try to sell him as one. What GM falls for this trap? That's the angle I would take if I was Dubas.

 

[HockeyVirus]

yeah not sure why anyone here would care.

Then avoid the thread and let it fall off the page. Otherwise if people so wish, there can be a discussion on the potential contract given this is the appropriate sub forum for this type of thread..

Leafs have to try to figure out what kind of AAV/Term he is after. Better to do that now vs later. If they sniff that Bunting wants to cash in (like Campbell) by having very good stats playing on a very good team, he is as good as gone.

He's not a 60+ points forward on 25 NHL teams. But his agent will try to sell him as one.

For sure. Bunting's value isn't even really in his scoring anyways it's in his style. Every fan base in the league hates him but would love him on their team. Top 6 pest who is very good at what he does and plays that greasy style.

There would be lots of teams interested in him at 3-4M AAV, especially given he has shown he has the ability to play in teams top 6. If he really wanted to chase the money he could probably hit 5AAV.

Also maybe worth mentioning he is best friends with Matthews who also is due for a new deal...

 

[Habs Halifax]

Then avoid the thread and let it fall off the page. Otherwise if people so wish, there can be a discussion on the potential contract given this is the appropriate sub forum for this type of thread..



For sure. Bunting's value isn't even really in his scoring anyways it's in his style. Every fan base in the league hates him but would love him on their team. Top 6 pest who is very good at what he does and plays that greasy style.

There would be lots of teams interested in him at 3-4M AAV, especially given he has shown he has the ability to play in teams top 6. If he really wanted to chase the money he could probably hit 5AAV.

Also maybe worth mentioning he is best friends with Matthews who also is due for a new deal...

He's not a top 6 asset. He's a middle 6 asset you are placing in your top 6 to get the best results. But yes, he does play a good energy game and shows up every shift. No doubt the Leafs would prefer to retain him if the contract makes sense.

 

[Legion34]

They were interested in both Mikheyev and Hyman

Not at anywhere near the numbers asked for/received

We will see what bunting wants

 

[HockeyVirus]

He's not a top 6 asset. He's a middle 6 asset you are placing in your top 6 to get the best results. But yes, he does play a good energy game and shows up every shift. No doubt the Leafs would prefer to retain him if the contract makes sense.

Eh he's easily a 2nd liner. He's been played on every line and produces. IMO he is a top 6 forward with grease.

 

[Magic Man]

He is one player in the top-9 you can count on to play a gritty game. I would be good with a 5 year deal at 4.25M.

 

[HockeyVirus]

He is one player in the top-9 you can count on to play a gritty game. I would be good with a 5 year deal at 4.25M.

Rumor in the offseason was the Leafs were considering an 8 year deal to lower the AAV similar to some other deals like Tanev got. I could see 8 years 3M or something like that.

 

[leafsfan2point0]

Would love the Nick Paul contract

 

[Hockey 4 Life]

4 million at 8 years is probably what gets it done. Mike loves the Leafs, most of his family is here and he's great friends with Matthews and Marner. I don't see a scenario where he isn't extended.

 

[Recipe Unlimited]

I'll live if they don't re-sign him, but if we can get him around 4 mil for 5 years or less I won't be upset.

 

[BlueBaron]

I doubt the Leafs want him at much more than 2.5. 4mil is walk away money imo. He's not really a critical player and isn't useful beyond a 3rd line price.

 

[KevinRedkey]

Matthews, Nylander, Bunting. Can't keep all three.

 

[Kaners PPGs]

I doubt the Leafs want him at much more than 2.5. 4mil is walk away money imo. He's not really a critical player and isn't useful beyond a 3rd line price.

With the cap going up and Kerfoot's deal expiring, 4 M per is fine for Bunting. Don't mess up a good thing.

 

[Mrfenn92]

4x4

 

[DrDangles]

Another ex-Leaf for Holland to collect. 7 years 35M, do it Kenny.

 

[Smif]

I'm mich more comfortable giving Bunting a long-term deal than I was for Hyman, Bunts is 27 but has no bad injuries and very few miles.

 

[Martin Skoula]

The problem with Bunting is that people see a game or two against their team and assume he's in the Hyman camp of being a good 3rd line grinder that can play 3rd wheel on a top line, but Bunting can't carry a 3rd line like Hyman can. The grease is what you remember him for, but his ability to feed off of skilled players and use his hands to keep plays alive is what keeps him on the top line.

If you sign him long term you better be sure he can play top-6 for that entire contract, I don't see a scenario where he slows down a little bit in the back half of the deal and you get an overpaid but still high end 3rd line grinder. He's a lot more Lupul than Paul, Hyman, Goodrow, etc. 4x5 is a lot safer than 8x4 here imo.

 

[Nucker101]

"Hey we're interested in signing your client to an extension, just wanted to let you know, okay bye"

 

[The90]

They were interested in both Mikheyev and Hyman

Yup. Until they found out they’re asking prices. Same can be said here.

 

[Nucker101]

I'm mich more comfortable giving Bunting a long-term deal than I was for Hyman, Bunts is 27 but has no bad injuries and very few miles.

Yeah but with the style he plays at his size(he's not small, but not big either and likes to mix it up), you have to wonder how he ages, and AHL miles are still miles, especially since he likely played big minutes in the AHL.