Bunting has been a standout for the Leafs ever since he graduated to the NHL and replaced, in parts, the void that Zach Hyman left when he took off to Edmonton. Keefe's latest decision may be trending pushing this relationship towards a similar ending.
Bunting earned himself a suspension earlier in the series for a hit he delivered on Erik Cernak:
Bunting's suspension is now coming to an end. While everyone expected the intense forward to make his way back into the Leaf's lineup, the Leafs and their coaching staff revealed that Bunting may spend game number 5 in the press box.
‘' Toronto Maple Leaf's head coach Sheldon Keefe said Tuesday he's yet to decide whether winger Michael Bunting will be a part of the team's lineup for Game 5 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Keefe noted, however, that regardless of whether Bunting dresses with his suspension now complete, rookie Matthew Knies will not leave the team's lineup.''
Bunting will surely be commanding a massive raise and there were already doubts as to whether or not the Leafs' would be able to re-sign him. If you add to the fact that he and the coach don't get along much, it may be an indication that he's on his way out.
The former Calder Trophy nominee was the author of 23 goals and 49 points in 82 games this season.
