For the past two seasons, Auston Matthews has been stapled to Michael Bunting on left wing. With Bunting not meeting expectations lately, Matthews has chosen a new linemate.
Matthews Chooses New Linemate
Michael Bunting hasn't quite been the guy he's needed to be lately. As a pending UFA likely to earn a big raise, there is even less incentive to keep him on Matthews' highly productive wing.
Last night, Sheldon Keefe tried free agent signing Calle Jarnkrok on Matthews' wing, and it was an instant fit.
The eye test confirmed that Jarnkrok's powerful middle-driven game was effective for Matthews, and it appears that the centre agreed.
Sheldon Keefe says Auston Matthews "felt strongly" about continuing to play with Calle Järnkrok.
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Keefe commented on the efficiency of the line, and it's hard to think that they won't be sticking together.
"You got to keep the chains moving. You got to keep them moving up the ice & keep them fast & get them on offence when the puck comes to you. That's what I thought he did really well."
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With Jarnkrok signed at only $2.1-million for the foreseeable future, this could make a decision on Michael Bunting much easier.
Do you think the emergence of Calle Jarnkrok could make the Leafs not re-sign Michael Bunting?
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Sheldon Keefe fires a shot at the Toronto Maple Leafs market