Report: Maple Leafs considering massive deal for Michael Bunting

The Toronto Maple Leafs got far more than they had originally bargained for when they agreed to sign former Arizona Coyotes forward Michael Bunting to a modest two-year contract last offseason. He instantly paid dividends for them, scoring 23 goals with 40 assists in 79 games played during the 2022-23 campaign and even earning a nomination for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the National Hockey League's best rookie.

Though he would ultimately fall short behind Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider for the award, the Leafs certainly have themselves a valuable piece moving forward. And if a recent report from NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun is to be believed, it sounds as though the Leafs have long term plans for Bunting. 

While fans may scoff at the length of the proposed deal, they may want to remember that the Tampa Bay Lightning signed forward Nick Paul (we apologize if that gives you scary flashbacks to Game 7 of this past spring) to a seven-year, $22.05 million contract extension that carries an AAV of $3.15 million. 

With the NHL salary cap expected to rise, the Leafs will certainly need to allocate funds for a potential massive extension for superstar sniper Auston Matthews, who has two years remaining on his current deal and was even predicted to demand a new contract north of $16 million per season to stay put. 

A lengthy deal for Bunting with the AAV spread out in such a manner as Paul's would be beneficial for both parties - don't be surprised to see it happen in the near future.