Story Summary
Michael Bunting has signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Philadelphia Flyers. The 31-year-old forward became an unrestricted free agent on July 1 after splitting last season between the Nashville Predators and Dallas Stars.
Bunting recorded 33 points, including 14 goals and 19 assists, in 74 regular-season games last season. Dallas acquired him in a trade on March 5, and he had one goal and one assist in 13 games with the Stars. He also registered one assist in one Stanley Cup Playoff appearance.
Key Facts
- Michael Bunting signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Philadelphia Flyers.
- The 31-year-old forward was an unrestricted free agent from July 1.
- Bunting had 33 points, comprising 14 goals and 19 assists, in 74 regular-season games for Nashville and Dallas last season.
- After Dallas acquired him on March 5, Bunting recorded one goal and one assist in 13 regular-season games with the Stars.
- Bunting has 252 points, including 109 goals and 143 assists, in 418 NHL regular-season games.
- He was selected by the Arizona Coyotes in the fourth round, No. 117 overall, of the 2014 NHL Draft.
- Philadelphia has opened the season 0-2-2 and has been outscored 17-5.
IHM Discussion
The Flyers have added an experienced NHL forward with a substantial body of regular-season work. Bunting’s 252 career points have come across spells with the Coyotes, Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes, Pittsburgh Penguins, Predators and Stars.
His most recent season produced 33 points across 74 games, although his Dallas sample after the March trade was limited to 13 regular-season appearances. The one-year term gives Philadelphia a defined short-term commitment while bringing in a player who has appeared in both regular-season and playoff games.
Why It Matters
Philadelphia’s move comes as the club seeks its first win after four games. Bunting adds another NHL-experienced forward to an organisation that has scored five goals during its 0-2-2 start, but the signing itself does not establish how he will be used in the lineup.
Mini Q&A
What contract did Michael Bunting sign with Philadelphia?
Bunting signed a one-year contract worth $1.2 million with the Flyers.
How did Bunting perform last season?
He had 14 goals and 19 assists for 33 points in 74 regular-season games with the Predators and Stars.
When do the Flyers play next?
Philadelphia is scheduled to visit the Ottawa Senators on Thursday.
Coach Mark Comment
Bunting’s recent production provides a useful reference point, but his 13-game spell in Dallas was too small to draw broad conclusions about his role there. For Philadelphia, the immediate value is the addition of a forward with experience across several NHL environments and a recent 33-point season.
What Comes Next
The Flyers are scheduled to visit the Ottawa Senators on Thursday.