It’s hardly a secret that the Toronto Maple Leafs are turning over stones to find potential trade partners this season. While Toronto’s last win against the Pittsburgh Penguins was an encouraging sign, it’s hardly an admission that the team is out of the woods.
That’s why a sighting a few days ago could indicate that a move could be on the horizon. A piece in the Fourth Period reported that several scouts, including members of the Maple Leafs, took in the Chicago Blackhawks-Nashville Predators game on November 28.
The Predators, as rumors dictate, are getting ready to pull the trigger. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks could have a couple of pieces that may entice teams like Toronto to pull the trigger on a deal.
But there’s one particular piece on the Predators that could tickle GM Brad Treliving’s fancy. That’s forward Michael Bunting.
Bunting played for the Maple Leafs for two seasons, in 2021-22 and 2022-23. He took over for Zach Hyman on the Leafs’ top line and inherited Hyman’s puck-hound role. He played well, though his antics prompted Toronto to let him walk in the 2023 offseason.
Since then, Bunting has been a bit of a journeyman. He’s played with the Carolina Hurricanes, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Nashville Predators. But wouldn’t a reunion with the Maple Leafs be something useful?
The Preds have not officially raised the white flag on this season. But they’re getting close. With the Maple Leafs still viewing themselves as a playoff contender, bringing back a familiar face could be a major boost to the team.
Maple Leafs Could Use Bunting’s Game
Bunting would likely resume his former role alongside Auston Matthews. This time, there won’t be Mitch Marner, but there is Matthew Knies. So, a top line of Matthews-Knies-Bunting could be a solid upgrade over the committee that’s played with Matthews and Knies.
Bunting is a relentless worker bee that’s not afraid to get down and dirty. He was adept at digging for pucks during his time in Toronto, leading him to notch career highs in goals and points in his two seasons in Toronto.
The 30-year-old scored 23 goals in back-to-back seasons, while notching a career-high 63 points in 2021-22. That’s the sort of production the Maple Leafs would love to have back, as they look to build momentum.
Buntings’ Antics a Thing of the Past
Bunting, like Nazem Kadri before him, went overboard during the playoffs. In the 2023 postseason, Bunting leveled Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak. Bunting got the heave-ho for his hit in Game 1 of that series, landing him with a three-game suspension.
Since then, Bunting, while maintaining his usual physical play, hasn’t committed any similar infractions. So, it could be safe to say that his days as an unruly child are done. That’s something that bodes well for the Maple Leafs, if they consider a reunion with Bunting.
Of course, the Maple Leafs must consider whether Bunting would be happy with a reunion. He has no trade protection this season. He’s also a UFA next summer. Still, the potential for a solid upside is there.
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