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Arizona Coyotes Michael Bunting Is The NHL’s Next Pest

By Tyler Samson

TUCSON, AZ - MAY 04: Tucson Roadrunners left wing Michael Bunting (27) and Texas Stars defenseman Andrew Bodnarchuk (2) fight during a hockey game between the Texas Stars and Tuscon Roadrunners on May 04, 2018, at Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, AZ. (Photo by Jacob Snow/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ - MAY 04: Tucson Roadrunners left wing Michael Bunting (27) and Texas Stars defenseman Andrew Bodnarchuk (2) fight during a hockey game between the Texas Stars and Tuscon Roadrunners on May 04, 2018, at Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, AZ. (Photo by Jacob Snow/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Arizona Coyotes prospect Michael Bunting embodies the qualities of a premier agitator in the National Hockey League.

The hockey world has grown to love and hate agitators in the National Hockey League.  Agitators, better known by fans as pests, are players who tend to be smaller in stature,  are scrappy, get under their opponent’s skin, and manage to contribute with points.  Players like Brad Marchand, Corey Perry and Cal Clutterbuck are just some of the many players in the NHL who best portray the role of an agitator. Arizona Coyotes prospect Michael Bunting possesses the qualities to be the next best pest.

Bunting is currently playing for the Tucson Roadrunners, the Coyotes’ AHL affiliate.  With his time with the Roadrunners, he has made a name for himself.  In his first season (2016-17), Bunting had 28 points with 52 penalty minutes.

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This season, Bunting registered 43 points and 45 penalty minutes during the regular season. He has gained attention lately, as he has been on an absolute tear in the Calder Cup playoffs. In eight playoff games, Bunting has tallied 4 points and a whopping 27 penalty minutes.

The Coyotes drafted Bunting 117th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Since then, he has scratched and clawed to provide a lasting presence in the organization.  Bunting is finally getting the recognition he deserves, as he’s tied for first in scoring, third in points, and first in penalty minutes in the playoffs with the Roadrunners this season,

The 22-year-old left winger is on the last year of his three-year entry-level contract.  With the dazzling performances Bunting has put on for the past two seasons it is hard to see the Coyotes letting him sign anywhere else.  Management has acknowledged the contributions given by Bunting and fully expect him to compete for a roster spot with the Coyotes next season.

He has been compared to Brad Marchand of the Boston Bruins for his masterfully annoying tactics on opponents.  Teammates credit Bunting on his “tasteful” chirps that tend to rattle opponents. Not only is his playing style impacting opponents, but his teammates also feel that he intensifies the games.

Going into the 2018-19 season, expect to see Bunting on the Arizona Coyotes’ fourth line. He will be a replacement for enforcer Zac Rinaldo, who is currently an unrestricted free agent.  Rinaldo and Bunting have a similar playing style as well as body type.  The only difference between the two players is point production, which the latter has the upper hand in.

Next: Coyotes 2018 Offseason Outlook

With two strong seasons in the American Hockey League, Bunting is ready for the NHL.  After putting his playing style on full display, he has proven he is ready for the next step.  Bunting has a swagger and playing style about him that makes him a comparable player to the likes of the NHL’s premier agitators.

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