Michael Bunting, in white, has always been a do-everything player on the ice. But since arriving in Glendale, the former Roadrunner has developed into a goal-scorer.
More than 100 miles separate Tucson Arena and Gila River Arena. For Michael Bunting, five seasons in the AHL have paved the way for his recent drive up Interstate 10.
And his recent play may keep him there. Bunting posted eight points in his first 10 games, proving he belongs in the NHL after years of development with the Tucson Roadrunners.
If it seems like a dream, consider how the 25-year-old Bunting found out he was heading to the Arizona Coyotes. The winger was taking one of his afternoon naps, and missed a call from the organization. After receiving the good news, he quickly packed his bags, packed up his rental car and headed to Glendale.
Hopping over the boards and crunching down onto NHL ice for the first time since the 2018-19 season, where he played five games, could not have gone better.
“That first shift, I was basically just trying to bring some energy because I got out there and we were already trailing in the game,†he said. “So I wanted to bring some energy, and, you know, get into the other team’s face but right off the face-off, I ended up getting a breakaway and scoring.â€
He logged two points in his first game with the big club, and notched his first career hat trick three games later.
His offensive confidence has exploded as a result, but Bunting prides himself on being a responsible two-way player and being reliable at both ends of the ice. Simply put, he’s comfortable doing the little sticky and gritty things that contribute to the team’s success.
