Former Leaf Involved In Multiple Altercations With New Teammates

After his two-year deal with Toronto expired this off season, Michael Bunting decided to test free agency, earning himself a three-year 4.5million AAV contract with the Carolina Hurricanes. Towards the end of his time with the Leafs Bunting began to earn a reputation as a bit of a fake tough guy who isn't afraid to embellish a little to get calls.

Bunting and Lemieux Don't Get Along

While his on-ice reputation did begin to change towards the end of his time in Toronto, Bunting was a fan favorite there as soon as he earned a spot on their top line. None of his teammates ever had anything bad to say about him. That reputation doesn't seem to have followed him to Carolina though. Brendan Lemieux in particular doesn't seem to get along with him very well. Hurricanes writer Cory Lavalette reported problems between the players on Twitter.




Lemieux does not exactly have a stellar reputation himself. He is already on his fifth team since joining the league in 2017 and he has been involved in some rather infamous incidents, such as when he bit Brady Tkachuk in December of 2021. If these two strong personalities are unable to find a way to get along, Carolina may be forced to make a move.

Lemieux would almost certainly be seen as the more expendable player as he is on a one-year 800k contract. He could even be sent to the AHL for no cap penalty if it came to that, although he would have to clear waivers.