Michael Bunting Scouting Reports

The Bunting / Carolina marriage has not gone to plan for the player or the team.
In 60GP - Bunting averaged 15:00 TOI - 12:16 ES - 2:49 PP
He produced 13G - 23A
6G - 10A on the PP
Only credited with 25 hits / 15 shot blocks
Change of scenery might do the player good. At his best when emptying the tank and playing with relentless compete. Not the kind of forward who can quit in any zone. His off the puck detail has been well below standard in 23/24. - Team worst (-15)
Signed through 25/26 - $4.5 million AAV - 10 Team no trade list

In a ten game segment from December 17th - January 6th - Bunting scored 3G-4A -
His TOI ranged from 12:00 - 17:00 depending on special teams
All of his TOI comes at ES and PP. He doesn't PK in Carolina.
Generally playing to the same identity. A third line / second line forward on any given night.
Energetic. On the edge. Hasn't had the same, game to game, impact in Carolina as he had in Toronto. Defensive awareness / commitment off the puck ranges.

Easily defined. Brings energy. Difficult to play against. Can be a distraction.
Isn't the quickest, fastest, most skilled player in the league - but he's effective in his role.
Relentless compete. Crosses the line at times with his approach. Needs to scale things back at times / pick his spots trying to get under the skin of opponents.
Better than average with the puck. Not shy about setting up shop around opponents net. Battles for positioning / setting screens / looking for tips and rebounds.
First year in Carolina. Averaging 18:03 TOI - 12:44 ES - 5:19 PP - does not PK - to start the year

There is no question this player benefits from playing with (#34) but he has to be recognized for his contribution and the way he goes about his business.
Tenacious competitor with good skill. It has taken some time to arrive at the NHL level. He's making the most out of the opportunity.
He's a bit of a greasy player who will get under the skin of opponents.
Being used at ES and on the PP. Complimentary skill. Not the kind of player who can carry a line offensively.

An energy provider who brings better than average skill and ability to produce offense
Benefits from playing up in the lineup with #34 and #16 but he has earned the right to keep the role. Goes to the hard areas. Has some grease. Willing to push back.
He's involved and competes. Was used regular shift and on the power play in his first full year in the NHL in 21/22 and produced offensively. Has the ability and approach to play up and down the lineup but isn't the kind of player that will drive a line.