A proposed trade suggests the Maple Leafs could make a blockbuster move to bring back a $13 million forward.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently in their Stanley Cup contention window, and a trade suggestion has them adding two key forwards. Using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, which allows users to design trades, one fan proposed a scenario where the Maple Leafs would bring back Michael Bunting from the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Maple Leafs acquire:
- Michael Bunting
- Drew O’Connor
Penguins acquire:
- Timothy Liljegren
- Nick Robertson
- 2026 first-round pick
The proposed trade would involve Toronto acquiring Bunting and O’Connor to strengthen their forward group in exchange for Liljegren, Robertson, and a first-round pick.
Bunting, who played two seasons with the Maple Leafs from 2021 to 2023, signed a three-year, $13.5 million contract with the Carolina Hurricanes during free agency but was later traded to the Penguins mid-season. He could provide Toronto with a much-needed offensive boost and physical presence. During his time with the Maple Leafs, Bunting tallied 46 goals and 66 assists, totaling 112 points in 161 games.
O’Connor, on the other hand, would likely slot in as a third- or fourth-line left winger for Toronto. The 26-year-old is in the final year of his two-year, $1.85 million contract and has appeared in 160 career games, recording 25 goals and 26 assists for 51 points.
In return, Toronto would send Liljegren, a former first-round pick, who has been a healthy scratch to start the season. The Swedish defenseman signed a two-year, $6 million extension with the Maple Leafs in the offseason, but a fresh start might benefit him.
Robertson, who has been competing for a regular spot in the Maple Leafs lineup, requested a trade during the offseason but ultimately signed a one-year, $875,000 contract. He has the potential to become a top-six forward for the Penguins and provide them with much-needed offensive depth.
Maple Leafs Likely to Trade Liljegren
Liljegren is currently Toronto’s eighth defenseman, and without a guaranteed spot for playing time, he’s likely to be traded, according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman.
“Looks like Toronto is trying to find a new team for Timothy Liljegren. He’s fallen down the depth chart, which is frustrating for everyone involved,” Friedman wrote in his *32 Thoughts* column.
Liljegren competed for ice time during training camp, but new Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the defenseman’s performance.
“Lily needs to speed up his game. He’s got to be more physical in battles, move the puck quicker, and simplify things,” Berube said. “He’s fighting hard to be in the lineup every night, which is good. But sometimes he’s trying to do too much. He needs to simplify his game, focus on defending, and be more physical.”
In his NHL career, the former 17th overall pick has played 196 games, recording 14 goals and 51 assists for 65 points.
Maple Leafs Defenseman Calls Out Bunting
Toronto played Pittsburgh on October 12 as Bunting played against his former team.
During the game, Bunting got into it with Maple Leafs defenseman Simon Benoit. After the game, Benoit called Bunting a diver as he looked to draw penalties.
“He’s good at his job. I’ve played against him a couple of years now. That’s part of his game. I just don’t like divers,” Benoit said.
