Michael Bunting Bio
Michael Bunting is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL). Drafted 117th overall by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Bunting has also played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes, and Pittsburgh Penguins during his NHL career.
Early Life and Background
Michael Bunting was born on September 17, 1995, in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. He grew up in a family with his father Andy, a civil servant for the City of Toronto, and his mother Lynda, a bookkeeper at Shoppers Drug Mart. His parents divorced early, and he was primarily raised by his mother, who is a breast cancer survivor. Bunting has an older brother named Christopher.
He played midget hockey with the Don Mills Flyers in the Greater Toronto Hockey League. Despite not playing AAA hockey, Bunting was noticed by Kyle Dubas, then general manager of the Ontario Hockey League’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, who selected him 160th overall in the 2013 OHL Priority Selection. Bunting had been passed over in the previous two drafts before joining the Greyhounds.
Path to Hockey
As a rookie with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the 2013–14 season, Bunting scored 42 points in 48 games. He led the team with 37 goals in 57 games during the 2014–15 season and added 14 points in 14 playoff games. His performance in junior hockey paved the way for his professional career.
Bunting was selected 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 in July 2015 and began his professional career in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Springfield Falcons during the 2015–16 season.
Michael Bunting Career
Early Career (2015–2018)
Bunting started his professional career in the AHL with the Springfield Falcons and had a brief stint in the ECHL with the Rapid City Rush, where he scored his first professional goal. He finished his first AHL season with 11 goals and 25 points. The following season, the Coyotes moved their AHL affiliate to the Tucson Roadrunners, where Bunting scored 23 goals and 43 points in the 2017–18 season, tying for first on the team in goals.
He signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Coyotes in July 2018. Bunting made his NHL debut with the Coyotes on December 7, 2018, and scored his first NHL goal four days later against the Boston Bruins. He split time between the NHL and AHL during the 2018–19 season and was named to the 2019 AHL All-Star Classic.
Arizona Coyotes Breakthrough (2019–2021)
Bunting spent the entire 2019–20 season with the Tucson Roadrunners. In the 2020–21 season, he began in the AHL but was recalled to the NHL in March 2021. He made an immediate impact, scoring a goal and an assist in his season debut. Bunting recorded his first NHL hat-trick on April 5, 2021, against the Los Angeles Kings and set an NHL record by playing his first fourteen career games on the road. He finished the season tied for sixth on the Coyotes with 10 goals in 21 games.
Toronto Maple Leafs Era (2021–2023)
As a group 6 free agent, Bunting signed a two-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs in July 2021. He played primarily on the top line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. On January 29, 2022, Bunting scored a hat-trick coinciding with his hometown’s feature on Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada. He was a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s best rookie and was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team.
In his second season with Toronto, Bunting developed a reputation as an effective penalty-drawing forward and agitator. However, his relationship with referees became contentious, leading to a notable suspension during the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs. He finished the 2022–23 season with 23 goals and 49 points in 82 games.
Carolina Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins (2023–2025)
After his contract with Toronto ended, Bunting signed a three-year, $13.5 million contract with the Carolina Hurricanes in July 2023. He debuted with Carolina in October 2023, scoring in his first game. Bunting played 60 games for the Hurricanes, recording 13 goals and 36 points.
In March 2024, Bunting was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. He made his Penguins debut shortly after and scored his first goal with the team within days. He initially played alongside Sidney Crosby before moving to Evgeni Malkin’s line, contributing to a streak of points for the line.
Nashville Predators Era (2025–Present)
On March 5, 2025, Bunting was traded to the Nashville Predators. This move marks the latest chapter in his NHL career as he continues to compete at the highest level.
Playing Style and Strengths
Michael Bunting is known for his aggressive playing style, ability to draw penalties, and skill as a left winger. His tenacity and work ethic make him a valuable asset on both ends of the ice. Bunting’s ability to agitate opponents and capitalize on scoring opportunities defines his on-ice presence.
Notable Events and Milestones
Bunting’s first NHL hat-trick and his record of playing the first fourteen NHL games on the road are standout moments. His selection to the NHL All-Rookie Team and participation in the AHL All-Star Classic highlight his career achievements. His suspension during the 2023 playoffs also drew significant attention.
Michael Bunting Career Wins
Bunting has accumulated numerous goals and points across several NHL teams and AHL affiliates since beginning his professional career in 2015. His scoring ability and consistent performance have established him as a reliable forward in the league.
NHL Highlights
Michael Bunting scored his first NHL goal in his debut game with the Arizona Coyotes in 2018. He recorded his first NHL hat-trick in 2021 and was a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2022. His tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs saw him achieve career-high points totals and recognition as a top rookie.
Other Wins and Performances
In the AHL, Bunting was a key player for the Tucson Roadrunners, becoming the franchise’s all-time leader in games played, goals, assists, points, and penalty minutes. He was named to the 2019 AHL All-Star Classic and earned AHL player of the week honors in 2021.
Michael Bunting Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Michael Bunting was raised primarily by his mother, Lynda, after his parents’ early divorce. His father, Andy, worked as a civil servant. His family background is rooted in Scarborough, Ontario, where he was born and raised alongside his older brother Christopher.
Personal Life
Details about Michael Bunting’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Michael Bunting began the season with the Pittsburgh Penguins before being traded to the Nashville Predators in March. His transition to Nashville represents a new opportunity to contribute offensively and bring his competitive edge to the Predators’ lineup. Bunting’s experience and playing style are expected to enhance the team’s depth and scoring potential as the season progresses.