Maple Leafs Open to Long-Term Contract Extension with Forward

The Toronto Maple Leafs are actively discussing a contract extension with forward Michael Bunting. Consensus around the league appears to be the extension will likely be for eight years, allowing for the team to keep his AAV down and help them with their cap issues moving forward.

Bunting admitted he's open to negotiating a deal in season, but stated he's going to let his camp do all the work for him and just come in at the end to sign on the dotted line. Bunting opened the 2022-23 season scoring first for the Maple Leafs and looks poised for a big season playing alongside Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews.

Bunting admitted he's a Toronto boy and loves playing for his hometown team. He joined the Leafs on a two-year deal for $1.9 million, and last season was a finalist for the Calder trophy, handed out to the rookie of the year. Bunting finished the 2021-22 season with 63 points in 79 games.

Look for his new deal to hover around the $4.5 million mark annually, and expect to see Bunting finish the 2022-23 season with close to 80 points.

Mike Bunting scores the Leafs' first goal of the 2022-23 NHL Season! 😤

(🎥: @MapleLeafs)pic.twitter.com/lVe0Sp5RRG
— theScore (@theScore) October 12, 2022