Michael Bunting Bio
Michael Bunting is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger for the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected by the Arizona Coyotes, 117th overall, in the 2014 NHL entry draft. Bunting has also played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes, and Pittsburgh Penguins.
Early Life and Background
Michael Bunting was born on September 17, 1995, in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. He grew up in a family that fostered his interest in sports, particularly hockey. His father, Andy, worked as a civil servant for the City of Toronto, while his mother, Lynda, was a bookkeeper. Bunting’s parents divorced early in his life, and he was primarily raised by his mother, who is a breast cancer survivor. He also has an older brother named Christopher. Bunting played midget hockey with the Don Mills Flyers in the Greater Toronto Hockey League, where he began to develop his skills on the ice.
Path to Hockey
Despite not playing in AAA hockey, Bunting caught the attention of Kyle Dubas, the general manager of the Ontario Hockey League’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Dubas selected him 160th overall in the 2013 OHL Priority Selection after Bunting had been passed over in the previous two drafts. During his rookie season with the Greyhounds in 2013-14, he produced an impressive 42 points in 48 games. In the following season, Bunting led the Greyhounds with 37 goals in 57 games and contributed 14 points in 14 playoff games, showcasing his potential as a future NHL player.
Michael Bunting Career
Early Career (2015-2021)
Michael Bunting was drafted by the Arizona Coyotes in the fourth round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Coyotes on July 23, 2015, and made his professional debut in the 2015-16 season with the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League (AHL). Bunting briefly played for the ECHL’s Rapid City Rush, where he scored his first professional goal before returning to Springfield. He finished his first season with 11 goals and 25 points. In the 2017-18 season, he scored 23 goals and 43 points with the Tucson Roadrunners, the Coyotes’ AHL affiliate.
Breakthrough (2021-2023)
Bunting became a restricted free agent after his entry-level contract expired and signed a one-year, two-way deal to stay with the Coyotes on July 14, 2018. He made his NHL debut on December 11, 2018, scoring his first NHL goal against the Boston Bruins. Bunting spent the 2019-20 season with the Roadrunners and returned to the Coyotes’ lineup in the 2020-21 season, where he scored his first NHL hat-trick against the Los Angeles Kings on April 5, 2021. After a breakout season, he signed a two-year, $1.9 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 28, 2021. Bunting quickly became a key player for the Maple Leafs, playing alongside stars Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. He was named a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy for the league’s best rookie in his first year with the team.
Notable Works and Milestones
Bunting’s signature work includes his impressive performance during the 2021-22 season, where he scored 23 goals and 49 points in 82 games, contributing significantly to the Maple Leafs’ success. He was also recognized for his ability to draw penalties, leading the league in drawn penalties at even strength play during the 2022 season.
Michael Bunting Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Michael Bunting has received several nominations, including being a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2022, recognizing his outstanding performance as a rookie in the NHL.
Michael Bunting Awards Won
Michael Bunting has achieved notable recognition in his career, including being named to the NHL All-Rookie Team in 2022.
Michael Bunting Family
Michael Bunting was raised in Scarborough, Ontario, by his mother, Lynda, and father, Andy. His family background has played a significant role in shaping his character and determination in sports.
Personal Life
Bunting’s personal life is relatively private, but he has mentioned the influence of his mother, a breast cancer survivor, on his life and career. His family has been supportive throughout his journey in professional hockey.
