CRANBERRY TWP., PA (93.7 The Fan) – He packed quickly and caught a flight that landed at 9a Friday morning and was at full practice working on the Pens top power play unit by 11:55a. It’s a fresh opportunity for Michael Bunting, the NHL player as part of the return for Jake Guentzel.
Bunting said it’s been a whirlwind that he didn’t see coming. He said when he got called into the Hurricanes coaches offices he thought it was about doing some video review of his game.
“I'm excited that it's Pittsburgh, obviously,” Bunting said Friday afternoon. “This is the experienced crew and we’re in the running here and I want to try to help this team come in and be a big part of it.”
Jumping into the top power play unit, even one that is struggling, and now without Guentzel going forward, is a jump. Of his 13 goals with Carolina this season, six were on the power play.
"I think that's another part of my game that I excel at and I feel like I think the game offensively and can complement a power play,” Bunting said. “So, it's either in the front of the net or that middle spot, I feel like that's my strength and kind of distributing the puck. I hope if I'm there, I'll help out this team."
There is also the possibility for the lefty-shot to be on Sidney Crosby’s line. That might be more of a game-time decision as the team practiced for only 25 minutes Friday and then headed to Boston. That opportunity does excite the 28-year-old.
“Yeah, obviously, you know, he's one of the best if not the best that ever played this game,” Bunting said. “And you can just tell this little time I've been here. The way he carries himself, he's all professional and he works so hard out there on the ice. So if that's where I'm slotted in, I'm ready to go and contribute and just play my game and try to complement the line.”
In his two previous seasons with the Maple Leafs before going to Carolina, he had 46 goals. He was a self-described complementary player, but feels he can play anywhere in the lineup. He’s played with Austin Matthews and Mitch Marner and knows how to create space, get them the puck and score as well.
“I think I just want to play my game and contribute where I can, and wherever coach wants me to be,” Bunting said. “I'm ready to go, and whenever I'm called on, I'm ready to go. So, yeah, I'm just coming in and I want to learn a lot from obviously the guys have been through everything together and I'm excited to be joining this group.”
Even though he’s leaving a legit Stanley Cup contender, with two years left on his contract, Bunting said he’s excited to be in Pittsburgh. He wants to be here. Starting Saturday afternoon at Boston we’ll see where his initial fit is as this organization regroups after trading a Stanley Cup champion.