Toronto Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs Michael Bunting Isn’t Here to Make Friends

The Toronto Maple Leafs Michael Bunting came in third last season in Calder Trophy voting. What makes him such a good player?

by
Old Prof
October 2, 2022

Last season was the coming-out party for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Michael Bunting. He spent so many seasons toiling in the minors that, when he was considered for the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie, many objected. He was too old.

How anyone can hold not getting a chance against a player, I don’t know. But, in the long run, that might be a very good thing for the Maple Leafs. He plays with a chip on his shoulder because he doesn’t want to go back to his life before finding himself firmly planted on the Maple Leafs’ first line with linemates Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.

Bunting Didn’t Find Success Immediately with the Maple Leafs

Bunting wasn’t put on that first line immediately, the team had to see what Nick Ritchie could do first. In the end, Ritchie couldn’t do enough. When Bunting eventually got to play on that line, he made the most of it.

During his rookie season, he more than outperformed on-ice expectations. He came in third in Calder Trophy voting, scoring 23 goals and adding 40 assists (for a total of 63 points). That total led all NHL rookies in scoring.

He turned 27 in September, and he’s getting ready for his second season with the team. Fans have to believe that his rookie season was no fluke. He’ll play up to expectations simply because he’ll give himself no choice.

He’s entrenched on that first line and it seems that his head coach Sheldon Keefe is intent on keeping him there. He’s more than earned his keep. He does what it takes to be successful.

Before Last Season, Keefe Weighed in About Bunting

Ironically, while Bunting is a fan favorite in Blue & White Nation, according to coach Keefe Bunting is one of the most hated players on the ice. And, for his head coach, that’s a very good thing. It certainly is something Keefe has come to appreciate.

Early last season Keefe noted that Bunting was a “guy who makes no friends on the ice.” Keefe added that Bunting was “always looking to get an edge on you.”

And Bunting was so good getting that “edge” that he led rookies with 45 penalties drawn. Bunting was tenacious on the ice. He also ranked sixth among rookies with 36 takeaways.

Bunting Is Hungry for Success

Bunting is hungry for the puck, but he’s also hungry for success. In an interview in June in the Toronto Sun, Bunting shared that he’s entering this 2022-23 season working to prove that last year “was not a fluke.” (from “Maple Leafs’ Bunting already preparing ‘to show that this year was not a fluke,’” Terry Koshan, Toronto Sun, 24/06/2022).

Specifically, Bunting noted “I have to be consistent because that’s what good hockey players do. They do it every single year. So definitely, I have to take my game up a level. I can’t be comfortable with what I did. I was fortunate that I landed on a spot with Matty and Mitch, and we gelled and we rolled all year together.”

If You’re a Maple Leafs’ Fan, Bunting Is Tough Not to Like

Bunting wants to keep earning his job with the Maple Leafs. For that reason alone, it’s hard not to like the guy. Even if – or especially because – his opponents simply don’t like him much.

But, as coach Keefe noted, Bunting didn’t make the team because he wanted to make friends. Here’s hoping Bunting remains friendless among players on other teams.