Buffalo Sabres Eye Michael Bunting as Trade and Free Agency Options Heat Up

The Buffalo Sabres find themselves at a crossroads as trade season unfolds in the NHL, especially following the NHL Draft and the free agency window that opened on July 1. With the recent departures of winger Alex Tuch and defenseman Bowen Byram, General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen is on the hunt for offensive reinforcements to offset the loss of 44 goals.

As the weeks progress, the Sabres will explore potential options, now that veteran Patrick Kane has returned to Chicago. While it’s unlikely that any new additions will match Tuch’s impressive statistics, they could alleviate the mounting pressure on young talents like Konsta Helenius, Jiri Kulich, and Noah Ostlund to fill the scoring void.

Kekalainen aims to recover a significant portion of the 60-to-70 points that Tuch contributed, seeking players who can not only bolster the offense but also provide leadership and grit in the middle-six forward group. One intriguing candidate still available on the market is veteran winger Michael Bunting, who could bring both secondary scoring and a competitive edge.

Bunting, a Scarborough, Ontario native, began his professional journey as a draft pick of the Arizona Coyotes in 2014. After spending five seasons in the American Hockey League, he made his NHL debut during the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season, scoring 10 goals in just 21 games. His extended time in the minors allowed him to qualify for unrestricted free agency at the age of 25.

He was signed by then-Toronto GM Kyle Dubas and quickly emerged as a valuable asset, netting 23 goals in each of his two seasons while playing alongside star Auston Matthews. Bunting’s impressive performance earned him a Calder Trophy nomination in 2022. However, after becoming a free agent again in 2023, he signed a three-year, $13.5 million deal with Carolina. Unfortunately, his high cap hit led to a series of trades, moving from Carolina to Pittsburgh in 2024, then to Nashville in 2025, and finally to Dallas last season.

Despite the changes in scenery, Bunting’s production has remained fairly consistent, with goal totals of 19, 19, and 14 in his respective seasons. This consistent output suggests he could represent a solid value for the Sabres, especially if he’s willing to accept a lower salary given his current unsigned status at the end of July.

While Bunting is not known for his defensive prowess and may not be a candidate for special teams, he possesses decent passing skills and could fit well into a second power-play role or serve as a middle-six forward five-on-five. With the Sabres navigating their current cap situation, Bunting could be an appealing option as they look to enhance their roster.

Follow Michael on X, Instagram @MikeInBuffalo

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.