Last-minute turnaround for the Toronto Maple Leafs
PUBLICATION
Elias Adaime
April 26, 2023 (2:00 PM)
Wow. Few experts saw that one coming.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have just announced that Michael Bunting is being scratched from their lineup for the next game (and likely more).
This is big.
Bunting had 63 points in 79 games last season and 49 points this season. He has been a regular on the Toronto Maple Leafs' first line for the past two years.
What happened?
Recall that Bunting was suspended for three games by the NHL following this sequence:
As a result, during his absence, a certain Matthew Knies impressed the crowd and established himself as a regular in Toronto's lineup.
Thus, in the last few minutes, we have indeed learned that even though Bunting's suspension is over, he will not be returning to the lineup.
"Last-minute twist. Bunting will remain in the stands, even though his suspension is over."
He will be a healthy scratch.
He has also publicly responded to the news:
"Michael Bunting: 'My job is to be a great teammate and be a professional.'
He says he hopes the Leafs will have many more games to play and he'll be back in the lineup later.
Via Chris Johnston
What a turnaround for Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner's linemate.
Details to follow.
Credits:
POLL |
AVRIL 26 | 519 ANSWERS Last-minute turnaround for the Toronto Maple Leafs Do you think Bunting would be a good complement to Suzuki and Caufield? |
Yes | 178 | 34.3 % |
No | 341 | 65.7 % |
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