What are the Penguins Getting with Michael Bunting?

The Penguins Thursday night traded away Sidney Crosby's favorite winger for a handful of prospects and draft picks. They also received an NHL ready forward in Michael Bunting.

Michael Bunting was a Proven Top Six Winger for the Canes and May Fit Well With Malkin or Crosby

Bunting is 28-years-old standing at 6 foot and weighing in at 192lbs. He is carrying a cap hit of $4.5 million and is signed for the next two years.

While with the Hurricanes, Bunting was a top six winger, primarily playing on the Canes second line. In 60 games this year, he has 13 goals and 36 points.


The bad news, he ranked 10th on the Hurricanes in even strength goals and nine with even strength points. The Penguins do not want to lose that much production if you are going to play on a wing with one of, if not the best player in the NHL.

Bunting has a Shoot First Mentality on the Power Play Unit

The good news is that most of his production comes on the power play, where we have seen the Penguins struggle. Six of his 13 goals were on the powerplay, ranking him tied for third on the Hurricanes in PP goals, and second in total PP points with 16.

That is good for a Penguins powerplay unit that has struggled often during this season with producing with the extra man.

He comes to the team with a shoot first mentality on the powerplay that the only members of the current roster who shoot more than he does are Crosby and Malkin.

Michael Bunting's quick one-timer beats Hart on the power play, evening up the score at 2!#CauseChaos pic.twitter.com/kBUwWQ1Wz8— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) October 31, 2023

Michael Bunting steps into one and finds the back of the net on the power play, Hurricanes within 1!#CauseChaos pic.twitter.com/zwk3j8fCuN— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) November 25, 2023

Bunting Will Stand Up for His Teammates and Brawl as Well as Draw Penalties

Michael Bunting is not fast. And, he is not a penalty killer, nor was Jake Guentzel. Bunting can also help with adding some energy by drawing a penalty. He has drawn 28 this season, the most on his former team and 12th in the league.

He also is not afraid to drop the gloves.


It is good to see that he will at least stand up for his teammates, and if he will play with Crosby, that is a bonus. Bunting is not a Guentzel, which is why the Penguins received prospects and picks in addition to him. The Penguins will probably look to try him out in multiple roles and lines to see where he could fit in the best.

As Read On: DK Pittsburgh Sports - Drive to the Net: What to expect from Bunting? Top-line left winger?