Insider says Hurricanes Willing to Deal Big Free Agent Signing

Despite just signing a new multi-year deal, it's being reported that Carolina Hurricanes General Manager Don Waddell is looking to move on from forward Michael Bunting.

Prized Free Agent Signing has Worn Out his Welcome with the Hurricanes

According to Sportnet's NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, Waddell is receiving plenty of interest in Bunting after putting out word that he may need cap room to get a goaltender.

Hurricanes Michael Bunting on the Trade Block

After two seasons in Toronto where he scored 23 goals, Bunting became an unrestricted free agent, and was courted by several teams before signing a three-year deal with Carolina worth $4.5 million annually. He had a slow start in Carolina in 2023-24, but does seem to be finding his legs more lately. He has 8 goals in 36 games so far this season. That puts the former Arizona Coyotes fourth-round pick on pace for around 18 goals for 2023-24, unless he can pick up the pace in the second half of the season.


The Hurricanes very much need help in net before the playoffs start, and Bunting could be an attractive piece to get the deal done. If not, the Canes, one of the favourites at the start of the season to go all the way to the Stanley Cup, could find themselves asking "what if?" after taking in early exit in the postseason.