Bunting’s relationship with refs a concern: 'Kyle will deal with that'

TORONTO – Michael Bunting’s reputation with the officials will result in a conversation between his general manager and the league.

The Toronto Maple Leafs winger was assessed a two-minute minor penalty for embellishment and, later, given a 10-minute misconduct for his behaviour following a scrum in Sunday’s 5-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings.

Afterward, head coach Sheldon Keefe suggested Bunting is being unfairly penalized by officials and that the NHL would hear from Kyle Dubas on the matter.

Was Keefe surprised Bunting was singled out for a 10-minute misconduct at the end of the second-period fracas for kicking away Moritz Seider’s stick?

“Surprised? Based on the way he’s got officiated of late, no, I’m not surprised at all,” Keefe replied.

“So, that’s part of it. But Bunts has got to do his best to stay on the line. In terms of how he’s been officiated, Kyle will deal with that with the league.”

Like last season, the agitating Bunting ranks near the top of the league in penalties drawn.

But this season he has been whistled for 92 minutes’ worth of his own infractions (including two misconducts), compared to 80 in 2022-23.

He’s been charged with embellishment on multiple occasions, and the fiery forward’s relationship with officials is a recurring topic both inside and outside the Maple Leafs’ walls.

Keefe has largely avoided criticizing referees in his press meetings, but the coach went to bat for his player Sunday, knowing special teams is likely to factor large in the postseason.

“He eats three cross-checks and gets taken to the box with it. He had four or five punches to the face in the scrum,” Keefe said of a player trying to play on the edge.

“It’s tough for him. So, he’s got to find his way through that. Kyle will deal with the other stuff and see what he can get done there.

“But Bunts has to go stay focused and just keep playing.”