The chip on Michael Bunting’s shoulder hasn’t worn down.
After making a significant impact on the Maple Leafs’ top line once he earned that opportunity during the 2021-22 National Hockey League regular season, the energetic winger won’t simply let success come and find him once the puck drops in mid-October.
“I did have success last year, but I have to repeat that,” Bunting said on Monday before teeing off at the Leafs’ annual charity golf tournament at RattleSnake Point Golf Club in Milton. “It took me a while to get into the NHL and I know how hard it is to get there, but it’s just as easy to get out of the NHL. I want to stay here and I want to prove that last year wasn’t a fluke.”
Given the way Bunting goes about his job — with plenty of energy, a scoring touch and a desire to get under the skin of opponents — we don’t think there will be much trouble for the 27-year-old in proving last year wasn’t a lucky one-off.
Bunting had a couple of NHL looks in the Arizona Coyotes’ organization after being drafted by the club in 2014, including a 10-goal output in 21 games in 2020-21, and then put his signature on a two-year contract with the Leafs last July with an annual average value of $950,000 US.
That undoubtedly will be a bargain for Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas in 2022-23, as Bunting blossomed on a line with superstars Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. There was no guarantee that would happen (see Ritchie, Nick), yet Bunting’s approach ensured that he could make contributions more often than not.
What should be encouraging is that Bunting was able to play beyond most expectations despite the spotlight glare that comes with being a home-town player.
Before missing the final three games of the regular season and Game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs with a suspected leg injury, Bunting recorded 63 points (23 goals and 40 assists) in 79 games. His plus-minus mark of plus-27 led all Leafs and he was second in penalty minutes with 80. Of his 23 goals, 21 came at even-strength. Among Leafs, only Matthews (46) and Marner (26) scored more in that situation.
What did Bunting learn about himself as his first season with the Leafs progressed?
“I was proud of myself, of how I handled everything,” Bunting said. “Being a Scarborough kid playing at home, there could have been a lot of pressure, but I put that in the back.
“I plan on doing that once again this year and just having fun with my teammates and going each game.”
Once he recovered from his late-season injury — Bunting played in the first round against the Tampa Bay Lightning despite not being fully healthy — the summer months were spent trying to improve on specific areas.
“I worked on the stuff that I think I’m good at, but I also can keep getting better,” Bunting said. “I worked in tight in front of the net and battles, but I also worked on my shot and being more of a threat on the rush and being able to shoot from afar.
“I hope I can add that into my game, but I also have to just stick to my game and play how I do, play in those dirty areas, get in front of the net and whack away. I’m looking forward to doing that all over again.”
We would imagine that would work just fine for coach Sheldon Keefe.
As for playing in a contract year and looking at unrestricted free agency next summer, there’s no reason to doubt Bunting when he indicated it won’t impact his play.
“I don’t think about that stuff,” Bunting said. “I don’t worry about it. I’m more worried about getting the season started and getting going with the guys.”
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