If you’re shopping for a Michael Bunting jersey, you may want to check out the latest news in Maple Leafs land. The first line is the highest scoring five-on-five line in the NHL, and Bunting is a key cog on the first line. He plays the perfect position and was an inexpensive addition to the team this season.

Michael Bunting’s contract extension

With Michael Bunting’s contract expiring in 2022-23, the Toronto Maple Leafs should look to extend his deal before the end of the season. The forward has been a valuable part of Toronto’s line-up since replacing Zach Hyman, and he could get a big pay increase as a result. The contract extension is expected to be worth around $6-7 million.

Bunting will likely get a contract extension that covers the next few seasons, which makes it a good deal for the Maple Leafs. His potential is immense, and he will fit in well with a team that emphasizes puck possession. However, a contract extension will not make him a guaranteed starter.

One way to evaluate Bunting’s value is by evaluating his offensive production. He’s an effective scorer. He has excellent puck control and a good release. His high-danger chances per 60-minutes are excellent. His expected goals-per-60-minutes ranks second on the Coyotes. Despite his low shooting percentage, he has consistently been in the net-front areas of the ice where goals are scored.

His success with the Maple Leafs

One of the biggest reasons for Michael Bunting’s success with the Maple Leaves is the fact that he’s a competitor. He’s very competitive around the net and has good hand-eye coordination. He’s also been a tremendous asset on the power play.

Bunting had minimal NHL experience before signing with the Maple Leafs last summer, but he was a proven scoring machine in the AHL. The Maple Leafs recognized his potential and gave him a two-year, $1.9 million contract. He’s already earned NHL Awards, including the Ted Lindsay Trophy, for his performance.

After being drafted by the Arizona Coyotes in 2014, Bunting spent three seasons in the OHL and AHL before being signed by the Maple Leafs. He made his NHL debut against the Boston Bruins that same season, and he’s already in the conversation for Rookie of the Year.

After his successful time in the AHL, Bunting played his final season with the Charlotte Checkers. He played all 81 games and finished with 30 points. The Bruins were the lowest scoring team in the NHL at that time, and they were swept by the Oilers for the Stanley Cup. Bunting was then traded to the Panthers in the off-season in exchange for Sam Reinhart.

Wayne Simmonds

The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Ottawa Senators 3-1 on Saturday. Michael Bunting and Wayne Simmonds each scored a goal. Jack Campbell made 20 saves in net for Toronto. Anton Forsberg made 26 stops for Ottawa. Toronto scored two goals in the first period. First, Kerfoot converted a William Nylander pass at 8:06 of the first period.

Simmonds, 31, is the Flyers’ leading scorer in hits this season. But he’s not the same physical force he was last season, which has sparked rumors about his future. The Leafs are expected to look for a replacement to his spot.

The Maple Leafs signed Bunting last summer, despite his minimal NHL experience and limited experience. Bunting had previous AHL experience and earned a two-year, $1.9 million contract.

Carter Verhaeghe as a former Leaf

After two seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning and one season with the Leafs, Verhaeghe signed a two-year deal worth $2 million with the Florida Panthers. He also didn’t receive a qualifying offer from the Lightning, so he walked into free agency. Verhaeghe had a strong first season with the Panthers, scoring 36 points in 43 games, averaging 0.84 points per game. The Panthers were impressed enough to extend his deal right away.

Verhaeghe is another former Leaf who is making a name for himself. The Florida Panthers made a big move by acquiring a player on the trade deadline last year. He has five assists in 23 games and a $3.8 million cap hit in the U.S. Last season, he was a regular left winger for Barkov. In addition, Ryan Ellis is the top-pairing defenseman for the Flyers, with the potential to put up career-best numbers.

Bunting was the best bargain in the NHL this season. After signing a two-year deal, he has already surpassed Hyman’s point total from last season, and he’s only 26 years old. The Leafs had a need for forward depth, and Bunting was the best pick at the bargain price.