Flyers GM Danny Briere shelled out $1.2 million for Michael Bunting on a one-year deal Tuesday, a move that screams he’s not about to let his team’s current four-game winless streak keep rolling without trying something new. This wasn’t some earth-shattering blockbuster, but it’s a super low-risk play that could actually pay off for Philly. Briere, the master tinkerer he is, snagged one of the better unrestricted free agents still out there, proving he’s not sitting still when things aren’t clicking.
The Bunting Bet: High Hopes, Low Risk
Look, if this doesn’t work out, there’s practically no harm done. Bunting’s been around the block, playing for the Coyotes, Leafs, Penguins, Canes, and Predators before landing in Philadelphia. It’s unclear exactly when he’ll suit up for his first game, but one thing is for sure: he wasn’t signed to ride the pine as a healthy scratch or be part of some fourth-line rotation. Unless his game has fallen off a cliff since his last stop with the Stars, you can bet Bunting is gonna be a solid piece of that forward unit moving forward. He’s got enough talent to find his way, and there’s even talk he could make an impact on special teams.
Alex Bump: The Youngster on the Bubble
With Bunting now in the mix, someone’s gotta give, right? And the immediate impact looks to be hitting young Alex Bump hardest. While a rotation with Bunting, Carl Grundstrom, and Alex Bump might have been an option if Grundstrom and Bump were just role players without a long-term future, that’s not the vibe. Bunting’s addition puts a massive hurdle in front of Bump staying with the Flyers. Bump would likely need to jump Denver Barkey on the depth chart, and honestly, that’s a seriously tall order. Barkey’s hockey IQ, compete level, and willingness to win puck battles make him a tough guy to pass. Coach Rick Tocchet even said Tuesday that Bump’s been overthinking instead of just reacting during plays, which is something he needs to fix if he wants to be a regular.
The most probable scenario for Bump is a stint back down in Lehigh Valley with the Phantoms. It just doesn’t make sense for him to be with the Flyers if he’s not playing and developing his game. Sitting in the press box, maybe getting into a game once in a blue moon, would totally stunt his growth. Sending him back to the AHL for regular ice time is the smartest play for his future, rather than having him as a “black ace” practicing with guys like Garrett Wilson, Grundstrom, and Helge Grans.
So, while we wait to see exactly when Bunting hits the ice, it’s clear he’s gonna be a forward unit guy. The question now is how quickly he can make that impact and whether Alex Bump can take Coach Tocchet’s words to heart down in Lehigh Valley and fight his way back up.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Broad Street Hockey.
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