Michael Bunting's Struggles: From Toronto Maple Leafs Star to Healthy Scratch?

For two seasons Michael Bunting was a major factor in the Maple Leafs offense, scoring 46 goals and 66 assists in 161 games and blossoming into a solid Top-6 forward for Toronto. Deciding to bet on himself, Bunting signed with the Carolina Hurricanes in free agency before being traded to Pittsburgh as part of the Jake Guentzel trade.

His time in Pittsburgh has been rocky, but he did put together 19 points in 21 games for the Penguins last season. Expected to be a big part of their top line along with Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust, Bunting only has one assist in six games this year and recently found himself a healthy scratch against the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday.

Head coach Mike Sullivan wants to change things up as then Penguins haven't gotten off to the best start this year at 3-4-0 and haven't looked as cohesive as they would like. Bunting's decline is a big factor in that, as he's dropped off a cliff since leaving the Maple Leafs. Not everyone is a fan of the move though, as Bunting's supporters are still hoping that he'll pick things up with enough time.

If Sullivan wants to get things going this is certainly one way to do things, however, it's a bit unfair to Bunting to be scratched even if his stats show a slump. In Toronto, Nick Robertson has yet to score a point but finds himself with ice time; same with Elias Pettersson. Players have slumps, and giving them time to work through it is the best course of action. It's not like Bunting has cost the Penguins games, but he certainly hasn't helped them win so it's a tough call. Bunting has proven in the past he's a capable top-line forward, and if he can gain his confidence back, it'll be a huge boost to the Penguins.

Benching Michael Bunting was a lesson in production, and if you aren't doing all things necessary you'll sit on the bench. Strangely, Bunting has done everything right except score and it's led to a diminished role with Pittsburgh. If he's able to bring it around there's no doubt he can finish with 60-70 points, but failing that it could be Bunting's last ride with Pittsburgh.