Over the previous two seasons, Auston Matthews has consistently played alongside Michael Bunting on left wing. However, due to Bunting's recent underperformance, Matthews has opted for a new linemate.
Matthews Chooses a New Linemate
Michael Bunting's recent performance hasn't been up to par, and as a soon-to-be unrestricted free agent poised for a significant salary increase, there's even less reason to maintain his position on Matthews' high-scoring wing.
In a recent game, Sheldon Keefe experimented with placing free agent acquisition Calle Jarnkrok on Matthews' wing, and the pair instantly clicked.
Jarnkrok's strong center-focused game visibly complemented Matthews' style, and it seems that the center concurred.
Sheldon Keefe says Auston Matthews "felt strongly" about continuing to play with Calle Järnkrok.
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Keefe remarked on the effectiveness of the new line, and it seems likely that the duo will continue to play together.
"You got to keep the chains moving. You got to keep them moving up the ice & keep them fast & get them on offence when the puck comes to you. That's what I thought he did really well."
With Jarnkrok signed for a reasonable $2.1 million for the foreseeable future, deciding on Michael Bunting's future could become much more straightforward.
As Read On HockeyPatrol - Matthews Has Chosen a New Linemate to Replace Bunting
| POLL | ||
19 MARS | 111 ANSWERS Auston Matthews Makes a Decision on Michael Bunting's Replacement on His Left Wing Do you think the Leafs should re-sign Michael Bunting? | ||
| Yes | 68 | 61.3 % |
| No | 43 | 38.7 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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