Michael Bunting recorded 19 goals, 19 assists, and 38 points across 76 games in the 2024-25 NHL season as compared to 14 goals and 33 points across 74 games in the 2025-26 season. The 30 year old left winger has sparked some concern about his performance as he found himself traded to the Nashville Predators from the Dallas Stars in the middle of the previous season. Just weeks ahead of training camp, the Montreal Canadiens and the Winnipeg Jets have been linked to him.
| Category | Details |
| Player | Michael Bunting |
| Current Status | Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) |
| Rumored Teams | Buffalo Sabres, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, Winnipeg Jets |
| Signing Likelihood | Moderate |
| Latest Insider Update | Michael Bunting remains a highly sought-after depth forward ahead of training camp, with teams viewing him as an affordable, short-term addition to boost middle-six scoring and physical net-front grit. |
Which teams are interested in Michael Bunting?
While Michael Bunting has remained a free agent for the last few months, as per NHL analysts, the Buffalo Sabres, the Montreal Canadiens, the Winnipeg Jets and the Dalas stars have been rumored to be eyeing him.
What are insiders saying about the rumors?
Michael DeRosa of The Hockey News noted in a recent report, “The Canadiens are another Atlantic Division team that could use a boost on the wing. With Bunting now one of the top UFAs still available, it would be understandable if the Habs considered signing him. If the Canadiens signed Bunting, he could compete with Alex Newhook for Montreal’s second-line left-wing spot. Yet, even if Bunting played in a bottom-six role for the Canadiens, he would have the potential to be a valuable addition to their group.”Michael DeRosa of The Hockey News added, “The Jets’ depth on the wing is not the strongest at the moment. Because of this, it could make sense for them to take a gamble on Bunting to help improve their middle six. Bunting would be a potential upgrade on the Jets’ second line over Nino Niederreiter if signed. While Bunting had a bit of a down year in 2025-26, he also recorded at least 49 points from 2020-21 to 2023-24. With this, he could give the Jets some much-needed secondary offensive production if signed.”
How will this impact the teams?
For the Montreal Canadiens, Michael Bunting would provide a physical edge to a young roster and likely compete for a second-line left wing spot alongside Alex Newhook.For the Winnipeg Jets, Michael Bunting remains affordable as he could potentially serve as an immediate offensive upgrade over Nino Niederreiter.However, nothing has been confirmed yet as the 30 year old left winger Michael Bunting has kept himself distant from all the free agency rumors.
