Speculation: Michael Bunting (a realistic look at)

[A1LeafNation]

He needs more PP time. I'd like to see that line be PP1 just not right now because if it ain't broke...but:

Kase Matthews Bunting
Rielly Marner

Nylander Tavares Robertson
Sandin Spezza

 

[DraftSchmaft]

Did Arizona let Bunting walk. They let his contract expire, they got nothing for him in a trade. Does that fit the description for the term " letting a player walk?"

Let him walk is pretty demeaning to Bunting I'm not sure why you're nit picking this term. Makes it seem like you're saying Arizona thinks Bunting wasnt worth it and their trash became our treasure.

Trade : He had no trade value. He broke out final 20 games of the season. Trade deadline expired . Why did you ignore this lol

UFA: Takes two to tango. Letting a contract expire doesn't mean you let a player walk. Context matters.

 

[Confucius]

Let him walk is pretty demeaning to Bunting I'm not sure why you're nit picking this term. Makes it seem like you're saying Arizona thinks Bunting wasnt worth it and their trash became our treasure.

Trade : He had no trade value. He broke out final 20 games of the season. Trade deadline expired . Why did you ignore this lol

UFA: Takes two to tango. Letting a contract expire doesn't mean you let a player walk. Context matters.

Duly noted thankyou.

 

[Twine Tickler]

He needs more PP time. I'd like to see that line be PP1 just not right now because if it ain't broke...but:

Kase Matthews Bunting
Rielly Marner

Nylander Tavares Robertson
Sandin Spezza

With all due respect, we have the top rated PP. I don't think we need to change a thing.

 

[A1LeafNation]

With all due respect, we have the top rated PP. I don't think we need to change a thing.

What do you think I said?

 

[Twine Tickler]

What do you think I said?

ahh I misread it. Thought you wanted to change the PP units to the lines you listed

 

[SprDaVE]

This scout should be fired from any NHL job. Blows my mind this is an actual take from a NHL scout.

 

[zeke]

This scout should be fired from any NHL job. Blows my mind this is an actual take from a NHL scout.

This should allow everyone to realize how seriously you should take these anonymous "scout" takes.

 

[BertCorbeau]

This scout should be fired from any NHL job. Blows my mind this is an actual take from a NHL scout.

Must be a Habs scout or something.

Put up 10 goals in 21 games with Arizona last year, had teams offering him a bit more in the offseason but wanted to play in Toronto... safe to say he wouldn't be in the minors. And the eye test is clear that he's a NHL calibre player.

 

[Buds17]

This scout should be fired from any NHL job. Blows my mind this is an actual take from a NHL scout.

That's definitely a step too far as Bunting still put up and paced for good numbers in an admittedly small sample size during his time with Arizona. Yes, he's the third best player on that line and a lot of players would be as well considering the quality of Matthews and Marner. Regardless, that still should not at all imply that Bunting is a passenger or being carried to success by virtue of being on that line. I have no doubt that he is deserving of his spot there.

 

[Jacquestrapless]

How much ya'll think he gets in UFA next year? 3-4m?

 

[leafsfan2point0]

I’d sign him to a 4x4 this off-season if he would take it. He’s an amazing line mate for Matthews and Marner. Him and Matthews have become extremely good friends. If he repeats this season again next season, I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets 6x6 on the open market.

 

[TheDoldrums]

I thought this was a really cool find.

 

[zeke]

Wouldn't a career AHLer, now 7 years removed from his draft year, and a career 26 NHL games and 14 points total making $950k getting 15-20 goals be considered a home run grand slam?

sure would, Mr.Mod.

 

[TMLegend]

Exceeded my expectations greatly. Playing with two 100 point players most of the time obviously helps, but he's a capable top six forward in his own right. Another year at 950k too which is amazing. Although I start to get nervous at what a potential extension might look like down the road.

 

[TMLAM34]

I thought this was a really cool find.

Great find. Thanks for sharing. That’s an awesome little clip to see.

 

[IPS]

My gut feeling is that his stats might be similar to Jumbo Joe Thornton. 5 goals 15 assists for 20 points.

Wow were you ever wrong about this prediction

 

[Confucius]

The added value he brings by getting his team PP's just isn't appreciated enough. What is he 3rd in the league for drawing penalties. He must be very difficult to play against.

 

[IPS]

I think of Michael Bunting as the 2019-20 offseason version of a Carter Verhaeghe. Guy who showed flashes who could pop. He's gotten a ton of press but at the price we got him at, it's a modest roll of the dice.

First few pages and this was by far the most accurate hindsight evaluation of him.

 

[leafers]

Any update on his injury?

 

[ULF_55]

Exceeded my expectations greatly. Playing with two 100 point players most of the time obviously helps, but he's a capable top six forward in his own right. Another year at 950k too which is amazing. Although I start to get nervous at what a potential extension might look like down the road.

Maybe he'd take a 4 year $11mm deal? (2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5)

 

[Jimmy Firecracker]

Bloody Brilliant season for Bunting. Made Hyman a complete afterthought with his play (no disrespect to Zach who is great in his own right) and was a big part of why Matthews and Marner were so successful this season. The fact that we've got him for another season at under $1 million is a boon. Really hope he's able to play in the playoffs, his game would thrive in the postseason.

 

[Rants Mulliniks]

This should allow everyone to realize how seriously you should take these anonymous "scout" takes.

....and how little one should ever use "appeal to authority" as an argument when discussing NHL.

 

[Darth Menace]

Any updates?

 

[BackPassChampions]

Any updates?

He’s out for game one.