Pittsburgh Penguins to scratch core $5M player after a rough start to the season
Michael Bunting hasn't had the best start to the NHL season, and the Penguins' $5 million winger might be sitting out some games soon as a result.
Bunting came into the season with high expectations after being traded from the Carolina Hurricanes and making an immediate impact in Pittsburgh last year. In just 21 games with the Penguins he scored six goals & added 13 assists becoming a key player. However his rocky start to this season has derailed that momentum.
During a tough 4-1 home loss to his former team, the Hurricanes, Bunting's frustration was clear. He started the game on the second line with Evgeni Malkin but was moved to the third line with Lars Eller and eventually ended up skating with the fourth line. Things didn't improve the next day at practice when he was seen skating on a reserve defensive pairing, a sign he might be benched for the upcoming games.
Bunting himself has admitted that his game is not where it should be. He is now likely to sit out the Penguins' next game against the Winnipeg Jets, which kicks off a four-game road trip through Western Canada. Drew O'Connor took Bunting's place on Malkin's line during practice, giving head coach Mike Sullivan new options to try.
Bunting's demotion isn't the only change the Penguins are making. Valtteri Puustinen, who hasn't played this season, might make his debut soon after showing promise last year with five goals and 15 assists in 52 games. Puustinen practiced on the third line with Eller and Jesse Puljujarvi, signaling a possible return to the lineup. Sullivan also adjusted his defensive pairings moving Ryan Shea next to Ryan Graves.
Bunting's struggles have cost him his spot in the lineup, a stark contrast to his strong start with the team last year. As the Penguins prepare for a tough road trip, both Bunting and the team will need to make some adjustments to get back on track after a disappointing start to the season.
