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

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

I would think he would want (and deserves) a lot more.

Paul is doing very well as a complementary guy in Tampa Bay but he was a solid bottom six guy in Ottawa for his entire tenure there.

I think Bunting has a case for a lot more money.

I agree but remember he got offered more money then what he signed in Toronto for, and he's playing close to home.

Maybe It's a situation he wants to stay in.

 

[KevinRedkey]

If he wants say the Nick Paul deal, I think you sign that

Nick Paul was coming off 16 goals and 32 points when he signed that deal.
Bunting just had 23 goals and 63 points, and is currently pacing for a very similar season.

I agree - if you can get Bunting singed to a similar deal, you do it for sure. It just doesn't seem realistic. Especially considering Bunting has made barely any money throughout his career (relatively speaking) thus far. He's going to want to cash in to a certain extent. He can get 4+ as a UFA (from multiple teams offering) if he wants to IMO.

 

[Night Shift]

I'm sure once Matthews is in Arizona, they shouldn't have a problem re signing Bunting or anyone else they need to resign.

 

[NyQuil]

I agree but remember he got offered more money then what he signed in Toronto for, and he's playing close to home.

Maybe It's a situation he wants to stay in.

We shall see.

It’s always interesting to see - do you go for a good playing situation or do you feel responsible to maximize your income during your prime years.

I don’t really think there’s a wrong answer.

 

[AvroArrow]

I'm sure once Matthews is in Arizona, they shouldn't have a problem re signing Bunting or anyone else they need to resign.

If Matthews did somehow sign in Arizona, that would lead McDavid straight to Toronto. Opens the roster positon + cap. But Arizona clearly can't afford 13M for 1 player.

 

[HockeyVirus]

I doubt every fan base could pick him out of a lineup if he had his jersey on.

They certainly can when they are playing the Leafs

As an aside you have a GOAT username

 

[Ciao]

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

If the Leafs connected with Bunting but not yet with Kerfoot and/or Engvall, then there might be some meaning to that as they would not likely sign all three.

If they really are looking to acquire a top-six left-winger, then knowing where you're at would be especially important before the trade deadline. Someone might end up going the other way.

 

[McHelpus]

Welcome to Edmonton

 

[Night Shift]

If Matthews did somehow sign in Arizona, that would lead McDavid straight to Toronto. Opens the roster positon + cap. But Arizona clearly can't afford 13M for 1 player.

He'll most likely sign a Hometown discount so that will allow space to put a team together.

But yeah you're right if he decided to go elsewhere, it'll be 13M.

 

[13to40]

I would love to know what kind of contract he’s offered by the Leafs.
Amazing bottom 6 player who can slot in on the second line and put up around 20G a season

 

[Riggins]

It's incredible how LeBrun has made a career of talking/writing without ever saying one thing of substance.

 

[Maple Leaf]

It's incredible how LeBrun has made a career of talking/writing without ever saying one thing of substance.

They should bring back Don cherry to stunt on these wok

 

[CapsFrontOffice]

I don't think so, I think this gets done, remember he got offered more money then what he signed in Toronto for.

It's been a good fit here.

I think keeping him is the best move regardless. Every Leafs game I watch Bunting stands out to me behind the big names of course.

One thing is for sure, if he wants to test the market, he is gonna get a lot of dance partners.

 

[dirtydanglez]

leafs cant afford him especially when matthews $15m contract kicks in

 

[The90]

By the end of the season, Bunting will have surpassed Paul's career goal and point totals just in his 2 seasons in Toronto, he already has more career points in half the games. His agent would have to be really bad at his job to get less than 3 mil regardless of the term.

Paul isn't even a good comparison considering their roles are so different, there's no reason a guy like Garland should be making twice as much as Bunting despite signing under a lower cap ceiling and putting up worse numbers.

I’m not using Paul the player as a comparison. Just his contract fyi. He took longer term and short aav

leafs cant afford him especially when matthews $15m contract kicks in

That’s the year they have upwards of 60 million in cap space available correct? 2 years from now?

Also, isn’t Matthews leaving?

 

[dirtydanglez]

I’m not using Paul the player as a comparison. Just his contract fyi. He took longer term and short aav


That’s the year they have upwards of 60 million in cap space available correct? 2 years from now?

Also, isn’t Matthews leaving?

good point. maybe he does walk.

as far as the $60m goes you have almost a whole team to re-sign so thats gone quick

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

I think keeping him is the best move regardless. Every Leafs game I watch Bunting stands out to me behind the big names of course.

One thing is for sure, if he wants to test the market, he is gonna get a lot of dance partners.

If he hits the market 32 teams will want him he will have his pick of the litter

 

[HansonBro]

Would love the Nick Paul contract

LOL I'd love to have Nick Paul on the team

 

[Leaf Fans]

I'm sure once Matthews is in Arizona, they shouldn't have a problem re signing Bunting or anyone else they need to resign.

He was in Arizonna on December 29, Bunting wasn't eligible to sign at that point. He will be in Arizona again next season, but by that time Bunting will have signed already or will have left as a UFA.

 

[Night Shift]

He was in Arizonna on December 29, Bunting wasn't eligible to sign at that point. He will be in Arizona again next season, but by that time Bunting will have signed already or will have left as a UFA.

You'll still need a new center in 24 when he takes the Train to Arizona for good. Adam Henrique is a FA then too and probably the most likely cost effective replacement.

 

[Leaf Fans]

You'll still need a new center in 24 when he takes the Train to Arizona for good. Adam Henrique is a FA then too and probably the most likely cost effective replacemen

Maybe in 2034 Henrique will be in his 40s by then.

 

[The Devilish Buffoon]

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.

Sounds a lot like what was said about Hyman, who needs money a whole lot less than Bunting.

Not saying he won’t re-sign or that you are wrong in general, but it’s very easy to see a scenario in which he isn’t extended… even if it’s not the likeliest one.

I think the Leafs get it done, but it won’t be at some huge discount (maybe unless they win the cup before signing)

 

[TheKrebsCycle]

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

Of course they can ….

 

[KevinRedkey]

Of course they can ….

Did you do the math?

 

[LeafGrief]

Five years at just a touch over 4m. Guy is a legit top6 forward who has the chemistry to play with our stars. The never ending cycle of guys who don’t actually cut it in that role is more than enough of an argument that Bunting is worth keeping. We need two more of him if anything.