Maple Leafs have opportunity to bring back Matthews' perfect linemate

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Julien Trekker
January 2, 2024 (6:17 PM)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs could target one of their former players on the trade market, after a new rumor suggests the Carolina Hurricanes could place a surprising player on the block.

According to a new rumor, Michael Bunting could already be on his way out of Carolina, after less than a year with the Canes.

The renowned insider Elliotte Friedman believes Bunting could be the one that the Hurricanes use to free up cap space in hopes of getting a top goaltender.

Read his full statement here:

"There is word around the league that when Carolina was looking to clear some cap room and maybe make a move for a goaltender, Bunting's name came up," Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported during the Saturday Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada. "He was a bit lower down the lineup at the time. He's still seventh or eighth [on the Hurricanes] in ice time. There was some talk about if he could be the person moved in order to create the room."

Bunting signed a three-year contract with the Canes last summer, with an AAV of $4.5M. In 36 games this season, he scored 25 points, including eight goals.

Maple Leafs Interested in Bringing Back Michael Bunting?

Bunting found success with the Maple Leafs. Last season, he scored 23 goals and 26 assists, playing mostly on Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner's line. That success almost gave him the Calder Trophy, on his first season in the NHL in 2022.

While the Leafs' top-six is already packed with talent, adding Bunting would add significant depth to the lineup.

Do you think Bunting will be traded by the Hurricanes?

As seen on Markerzone
RUMOUR: Bunting Already Done in Carolina?