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Maple Leafs add Soo Greyhounds product Michael Bunting in free agency

Kyle Dubas couldn't leave free agency without a Greyhound.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have indeed signed Soo product and former Arizona Coyotes forward Michael Bunting to a two-year contract worth just short of $1 million per season.

Bunting is a unique case, given that he's one of the few unrestricted free agents to reach market having played less than 80 games — in his case, only 26. He's made strong use of his sparing NHL appearances, however, scoring 11 times in parts of two seasons.

Having spent most of his professional career in the AHL, Bunting has routinely hit the 40-point mark and most recently racked up 19 points in 16 games with the Tucson Roadrunners.

He wasn't nearly as productive in a Canadian sweater, but Bunting did represent his country at the world hockey championship following the conclusion of Arizona's season.

Kyle Dubas and the Maple Leafs have brought in another former Soo Greyhound in Michael Bunting. (Photo by Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images)
Kyle Dubas and the Maple Leafs have brought in another former Soo Greyhound in Michael Bunting. (Photo by Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images) (NHLI via Getty Images)

Bunting is not an established player, but is a known commodity in the Leafs organization having been coached by Sheldon Keefe in Sault Ste. Marie. Bunting scored 37 goals and 74 points in 57 games in his last Ontario Hockey League season.

A left winger, Bunting could very well see time in the Maple Leafs' top six, though it's likely the Leafs bring in another left winger this summer. Toronto lost Zach Hyman in free agency and remain generally thin at that position.

Keeping with the theme, the Leafs have also added forward Mike Amadio on a two-way contract, according to several reports. He's not a former Greyhound, but a native of Sault Ste. Marie.

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