Ex-Maple Leaf Michael Bunting To Be Traded

 The Carolina Hurricanes have made an intriguing move in advance of their game Thursday night against the Montreal Canadiens. They've scratched Michael Bunting for "trade-related reasons."

Michael Bunting will miss tonight's game for trade-related reasons.

— Hurricanes PR (@CanesPR) March 7, 2024

The immediate theory that comes to mind is that Bunting, who just signed with the Hurricanes this season as a free agent from the Toronto Maple Leafs, would be part of the package heading to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Jake Guentzel. The Canes are known to be pushing hard on a deal. 

Bunting is in the first year of a 3-year, $13.5M contract and does own a 10-team no-trade list. But a chance to reunite with his old boss from Toronto, GM Kyle Dubas, makes a lot of sense for both sides. 

No secret that Dubas was interested in bringing Bunting to Pittsburgh https://t.co/Ddzw0qFR3M

— Cory Lavalette (@corylav) March 7, 2024

Bunting, 28, has 13 goals and 36 points in 60 games for Carolina this season, after back-to-back 23-goal years in Toronto. 

The Hurricanes are trying to push this Guentzel trade over the finish line. Elliotte Friedman is also reporting that Bunting could be part of the Guentzel trade. 

Stay tuned.

Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports