Bunting open to negotiating new contract midseason

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Michael Bunting is willing to negotiate a contract extension with the club during the 2022-23 campaign, according to Sportsnet's Luke Fox.

"I’m a Toronto boy," Bunting said. "I love playing for the Maple Leafs. This is my home."

Bunting signed a two-year, $1.9-million contract with Toronto prior to last season after breaking into the NHL with the Arizona Coyotes. He's scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent at season's end but is eligible to sign a new deal at any time.

Formal contract talks haven't begun, but the Leafs and Bunting's camp could look at an eight-year deal to help keep the player's annual cap hit down, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reports.

Bunting was an immediate fit during his debut season in Toronto, carving out a spot on the Leafs' top line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. He ultimately led all NHL rookies in scoring with 63 points in 79 games.

The 27-year-old is one of nine Maple Leafs playing on an expiring contract this season. Despite the glut of players in need of new deals, all eyes in Toronto will be on reigning Hart Trophy winner Matthews, who'll become eligible to sign an extension when free agency opens in 2023.