Free-Agent Michael Bunting Linked To 3 Teams

The NHL's free-agent market still has a few proven forwards among those available, and Michael Bunting is one of the best wingers left on the open market. The free-agent winger has yet to sign a contract for next season, despite being linked to several teams throughout the summer.

Bunting's a pest, he plays an in-your-face style of game, he's not afraid to muck it up in the dirty areas of the ice, and he's shown in the past he has finishing abilities around the front of the net. Last season, Bunting spent it split between the Nashville Predators and Dallas Stars, and neither team has circled back this offseason. Bunting dressed in a combined 74 games, recording 14 goals and 19 assists. 

Bunting's expected to sign a one, or two-year deal, around the $3.5-$4.5 million AAV range, and there's now only a handful of teams who have the financial flexibility to make it happen. Many felt he'd be in store for a reunion with Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs this summer, but the Leafs went in a completely different direction, and have since rounded up their forward group. 

As far as potential free-agent destinations, fully expect to see Bunting sign a new deal before training camp, and this isn't going to be one of those cases of he has to settle for a professional tryout agreement. Bunting's expected to be in an NHL training camp, and it's likely once Patrik Laine or Vladimir Tarasenko sign somewhere, Bunting could be next up.

Free-agent destinations linked at this point would be the Seattle Kraken, Detroit Red Wings, and Boston Bruins. The Kraken and Bruins appear to be the favorites at this point, as both teams are in the market for more production on the wing, and Bunting's capable of being a consistent secondary scoring option.