Career Timeline of Michael Bunting: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Michael Bunting built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Michael Bunting is a Canadian professional ice hockey player currently playing left wing for the Nashville Predators in the NHL. Drafted by the Arizona Coyotes in 2014, Bunting has also played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins, marking a career across multiple NHL teams.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2013: Selected by Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

In 2013, Michael Bunting was selected 160th overall in the OHL Priority Selection by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

2014: Bunting played for the Greyhounds

During 2014, playing as a rookie with the Greyhounds, Michael Bunting produced 42 points in 48 games.

2014: Drafted by Arizona Coyotes

In 2014, Michael Bunting was selected by the Arizona Coyotes as the 117th overall pick in the NHL entry draft.

July 23, 2015: Signed with Coyotes

On July 23, 2015, Michael Bunting signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Arizona Coyotes.

2017: Played for Tucson Roadrunners

In the 2017-18 season, Bunting played for the Tucson Roadrunners, scoring 23 goals and 43 points, tying for first on the team in goals and third in points.

July 14, 2018: Signed deal to stay with Coyotes

On July 14, 2018, Bunting, a restricted free agent, signed a one-year, two-way deal to stay with the Arizona Coyotes.

October 13, 2018: 200th AHL appearance

On October 13, 2018, Michael Bunting made his 200th AHL appearance in a game against the Bakersfield Condors while playing with the Roadrunners.

December 7, 2018: Recalled to NHL

On December 7, 2018, the Coyotes recalled Michael Bunting to the NHL for the first time. At the time, he ranked second on the Roadrunners with 18 points in 20 games.

December 11, 2018: First NHL goal

On December 11, 2018, Michael Bunting scored his first NHL goal in his debut, beating Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask.

January 9, 2019: Recalled to NHL again

On January 9, 2019, Michael Bunting was recalled to the NHL again by the Coyotes.

2019: Played entire season with the Roadrunners

Michael Bunting spent the entire 2019-2020 season with the Roadrunners.

2020: Invited to IIHF World Championship

Following the 2020-2021 season, Michael Bunting was invited by Roberto Luongo, general manager for Team Canada, to participate at the 2021 IIHF World Championship.

2020: Opened season in the AHL

Michael Bunting opened the 2020-2021 season in the AHL.

March 31, 2021: Returned to Coyotes lineup

On March 31, 2021, Michael Bunting returned to the Coyotes' lineup, registering a goal and an assist in his season debut.

April 5, 2021: First NHL Hat-Trick

On April 5, 2021, Michael Bunting scored his first NHL hat-trick against the Los Angeles Kings.

July 28, 2021: Signed with Toronto Maple Leafs

On July 28, 2021, Michael Bunting signed a two-year, $1.9 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs as a group 6 free agent.

2021: Participated in IIHF World Championship

In 2021, following the 2020-21 season, Michael Bunting was invited to participate at the IIHF World Championship.

January 29, 2022: Hat-trick on Scotiabank Hockey Day

On January 29, 2022, Michael Bunting became the first player to score a hat-trick the same day his hometown was featured on Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada.

December 2022: Led League in Drawn Penalties

By mid-December 2022, Michael Bunting led the league in drawn penalties at even strength play by a sizeable margin, despite reports of a contentious relationship with officials.

July 1, 2023: Signed with Carolina Hurricanes

On July 1, 2023, after testing the free agent market at the conclusion of his contract with the Maple Leafs, Michael Bunting was signed by the Carolina Hurricanes to a three-year, $13.5 million contract.

October 13, 2023: Debut with Carolina Hurricanes

On October 13, 2023, Michael Bunting made his debut with the Carolina Hurricanes, scoring the team's first goal of the game.

2023: Ended Season

Following the end of the 2023-2024 NHL season, Michael Bunting's time with the Penguins ended as they did not qualify for the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs.

March 7, 2024: Traded to Pittsburgh Penguins

On March 7, 2024, Michael Bunting was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

2024: Rejoined National Team

Following the end of the 2023-2024 NHL season, with the Penguins not qualifying for the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs, Michael Bunting rejoined the senior national team for the 2024 IIHF World Championship.