The NHL offseason offers a long period of rest and recovery, vacations and, for some, special celebrations.
This was certainly the case for former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Michael Bunting, who found himself at the center of a joyous occasion, marrying his now-wife, Jordan – the couple announced on Instagram Sunday.
Instagram.com/@sunnyraemarshall
Those present at the event included family, friends and, from what could be seen, some current and former members of the Maple Leafs. In a story posted by Stephanie Marner, Mitch Marner’s wife, the video showcases Bunting’s bubbly personality, which Leafs nation has come to love during his time in Toronto. Although Marner is not pictured, his relationship with the Scarborough native when he was in Toronto did not go unnoticed, as he was likely present.
Former Leafs scouting director Wes Clark, who now oversees the club’s amateur, professional and college/European free agent scouting departments in Pittsburgh, was also on hand for the special occasion. Clark posted on her own Instagram Story, “Special day for the kid.”
Instagram.com/@weseclark
Bunting spent two seasons in Toronto, playing for his hometown team. In a Maple Leafs uniform, he played in 174 regular and postseason games. During his tenure, he scored 48 goals and added 69 assists for 117 points.
After consecutive seasons of 20+ goals, he received a pay rise – the biggest of his career. Bunting would sign a three-year, $13.5 million contract with the Carolina Hurricanes during the 2023 free agency period before being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in March 2024 as part of the deal that sent Jake Guentzel to Raleigh .
Split between the Hurricanes and Penguins, Bunting scored 19 goals and added 36 assists for a total of 55 points in 81 games in the 2023-24 season. With two years left on his contract, he reunites with former Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas as well as Clark as he looks to play a crucial role in the club’s top six going forward.
We at The Hockey News wish the Bunting family all the best as they embark on the next chapter of their lives together.
Related
Maple Leafs have the 10th shortest schedule in the NHL by distance for 2024-25
Maple Leafs forward William Nylander’s summer adventures continue at Wimbledon and London, England
THN.com News
Oilers’ best bet for Leon Draisaitl could be a short-term extension
NHL Hot Seat Radar: Seattle Kraken made free agent updates. Will Grubauer close the door?
