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Why Is Maple Leafs’ Micheal Bunting a Good Addition to the Team?

Michael Bunting came in third in Calder voting. What makes the Toronto Maple Leafs forward such a good addition to his team?

Michael Bunting didn’t win the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t hugely important to the Toronto Maple Leafs. What makes him such a good addition to the team?

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Reason One: Bunting Fits Seamlessly with the Top Line

One reason Bunting is such a good addition to the team is that he fits with the first line of Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner so well. Because he is such an inexpensive player, the team hasn’t had to remove one of their other top-scoring threats from another line. In fact, his ability to keep up with Matthews and Marner really has made the Maple Leafs’ top line one of the best in the NHL.

Reason Two: Bunting Is a Pest

Maple Leafs’ head coach Sheldon Keefe has already noted that part of Bunting’s value to the team is his quality of being a pest. That’s something the Maple Leafs hadn’t had in the past. For as good a top-line, left-winger as Zach Hyman was, he didn’t get under the skin of opponents as Bunting does. And, that’s something the Blue and White can use to their advantage. 

Michael Bunting, Maple Leafs

Reason Three: Bunting Is Hated By Other Teams

Although I wonder if Keefe might have overstated the situation by using the word “hated,” the point is Keefe knew that Bunting, during the entire time he’s known him, has been one of the most hated players on the ice. That’s something Keefe has come to expect from Bunting and something that occupies opponents’ minds during games. It’s why Bunting draws so many penalties. 

Last season Keefe noted, “I think that is a positive thing. He is not out there to make friends. He is out there to score goals and help his team win. He makes no apologies for how he goes about it. I like that about him.”

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Reason Four: Bunting Is Hungry and Competitive

In addition, Keefe suggested that Bunting is someone “who makes no friends on the ice.” Keefe also noted that Bunting was hungry and competitive around the net, which made him an excellent secondary scorer. He takes up space right in front of the net, and his hand-eye coordination is so good that he can – like a greasy rat – jump on a loose puck as if it were cheese and bang it home.

MIchael Bunting Toronto Maple Leafs

Reason Five: Bunting Plays with an Edge

Keefe noted that Bunting was “always looking to get an edge.” Bunting’s story suggests why he plays with a chip on his shoulder. He played AA hockey for a long time and wasn’t drafted until he was 18 years old. Bunting plays as if he has a lot to prove every game. He’s a late-bloomer who knows exactly what it takes to get where he has – determination, a belief in himself, hard work, and competitiveness.

The Summary So Far for Bunting

Bunting’s only one season into his stint with the Maple Leafs. In that season, he’s been a revelation. He combines competitiveness with hunger, talent, and ability around the net. 

In short, he plays with the fire that comes from having to work for everything he gets. You just don’t bet against guys like Bunting. He’s a good player who knows he needs to play every game and each shift within that game hard.

Bunting is “a competitor who has a lot to prove.” So far, he’s a guy who hasn’t made much money during his career. Don’t bet that situation won’t change after this season.

Bunting’s betting on himself. And, so far, he’s winning the bet.

Related: Can Bobby McMann Ever Make the Maple Leafs’ Roster?

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