Bunting signed to multi year deal by Hurricanes

*Photo from Yahoo Sports*

   More offense is on the way to Raleighwood. The Carolina Hurricanes and LW Michael Bunting have agreed to a 3 year, $13.5 million contract, according to James Nichols of NJ Hockey Now. The Hurricanes have confirmed the news.

   Hurricanes GM Don Waddell said of bringing in Bunting that "Michael is an excellent fit for our hard-working, forechecking style. He is effective along the walls and in front of the net, and he is a proven scoring threat from the dirty areas of the ice."

   The contract for Bunting carries a $4.5 million AAV over the 3 years with no bonuses attached. It's a significant pay raise for the 27 year old, who was making $950,000 annually the last two years. He'll be a UFA again following the end of the 2025-2026 season.

   After spending parts of two seasons in the NHL with the Arizona Coyotes, Bunting found his way to Toronto, where he hit the 23 goal mark twice and amassed 112 points over two seasons. In 2021-2022, he was a finalist for the Calder trophy after a 63 point season. He led first year players in points while finishing in second in assists and tied for second in goals.

   Bunting tied a career high in goals last season, his second with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He finished the season with 23 goals and 26 assists, averaging 15:48 of ice time per game while playing in all 82 regular season games. He added one goal and one assist in 7 playoff games.

   Over parts of 4 seasons, Bunting has played for only the Coyotes and Maple Leafs. He has 57 goals, 69 assists, and 126 points to his name, averaging 15:37 of ice time per game with a +47 rating in 187 regular season games. Bunting has an additional two goals and 3 assists over 13 career playoff games, spanning two seasons.

   Waddell said of Bunting's play that "We want to add good players because to win hockey games, unless the rules change this summer, you've got to score more goals than the other team. So, you want to make sure you get a player that can contribute offensively. He just had that extra knack, the way he plays, that's something that we definitely wanted and Rod wanted and so that was a bonus to be able to get that type of player."

   Bunting will join a potent Hurricanes offense that features Sebastian Aho, Jordan Staal, Seth Jarvis, Jordan Martinook, and Martin Necas, among others. The Hurricanes also signed Dmitry Orlov for help on defense earlier in free agency.