Following a three-game suspension, Toronto Maple Leafs winger Michael Bunting will be a healthy scratch for Thursday's Game 5 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed Wednesday.
"It's not an easy decision," Keefe said, according to The Athletic's Joshua Kloke. "The message was he'll get back in, just not tomorrow."
Bunting received a three-game ban from the NHL's Department of Player Safety for an illegal check to the head of Erik Cernak during Toronto's Game 1 loss. The Leafs have reeled off three straight victories in his absence.
"We're comfortable with the group that’s won three games in a row," Keefe added.
During Wednesday's practice, the Leafs rolled out the same line combinations the club used to finish Game 4's overtime win.
| LW | C | RW |
|---|---|---|
| Calle Jarnkrok | Auston Matthews | William Nylander |
| Matthew Knies | John Tavares | Mitch Marner |
| Alexander Kerfoot | Ryan O'Reilly | Noel Acciari |
| Zach Aston-Reese | David Kampf | Sam Lafferty |
Bunting finished fifth on the Leafs in goals (23) and points (49) in 82 games during the regular season. But rookie Matthew Knies has carved out a top-six role for himself in Bunting's absence.
"My job is to be a good teammate in all aspects," Bunting said. "That's what I'm going to keep doing, and I'll wait for my number to be called."
Bunting is no stranger to waiting for his opportunity. After all, it took until last season, his age-26 campaign, before he became a full-time NHLer.
"I've gone through adversity my whole life, and I made it here," he said. "So, it's just another day for me."
Bunting has proven to be a solid third wheel on Toronto's top line over the last couple of campaigns, but his effectiveness has waned the further he's been pushed down the lineup. Over the last two seasons, his five-on-five expected goals share is 47.36% when he's not playing on lines centered by Auston Matthews or John Tavares, per Natural Stat Trick. For comparison, he's posted a 61.07% xGF% with Matthews, and a 52.49% share with Tavares.
The Scarborough, Ontario, native is a pending unrestricted free agent after inking a two-year deal worth $950,000 annually with the Leafs in 2021.
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