Two Former Maple Leafs I’d Love to See Back in Toronto
Yesterday, when The Athletic put out their trade board, I looked at the names and saw two former Toronto Maple Leafs players I'd love to see back on the team. I often think about old Maple Leafs who left and wonder what might have been if they’d stuck around. Two names pop up all the time: Michael Bunting and Ilya Mikheyev. Both guys made a mark here, and honestly? I’d love to see them back if the price is right.
Michael Bunting: The Energizer with an Edge
Bunting was a breath of fresh air when he arrived. He plays with fire, gets under opponents’ skin, and can still score 20 goals while driving play alongside Matthews or Tavares. He’s fearless in the corners, crashes the net, and lifts the whole line with his energy.
He’s in Nashville now, still a pending UFA this summer, and still hits 20 goals when healthy. His cap hit is $4.5M, so he’s not exactly a steal. But if he hits free agency, Toronto could snap him up on a short deal for maybe $3–3.5M. A third-line winger with upside? That’s a no-brainer. The Maple Leafs need guys who compete and chip in offensively, and Bunting did it here before—he’d do it again.
Ilya Mikheyev: The Speedy Workhorse
Mikheyev was one of the most reliable bottom-six forwards the Maple Leafs had. Big, fast, kills penalties, and can score shorthanded. He could slide up and down the lineup and never miss a beat. He’s the kind of player coaches love, but fans may take for granted. Plus, he was fun as can be. What a personality.
He’s 31 now, pending UFA, and with the Blackhawks willing to retain salary, his number could come down even further. For $2.5–3M, he’d be perfect: someone who can kill penalties, play tough minutes, and chip in offensively without needing hand-holding. Again, if the Maple Leafs were ever going to get him, they'd probably sign him in free agency. I wonder if he has solid memories of playing in Toronto. He was well-loved in Maple Leafs Nation.
Why Toronto Might Pick Them Up
Both Bunting and Mikheyev could return without Toronto having to give up any assets. All it would take is money and a short-term deal. In a year where the Maple Leafs might be tinkering with the roster, these two feel like low-risk, high-reward moves. They know the city, the system, the locker room. Sure, it’s probably a long shot, but if the opportunity comes, bringing them back would give the team energy, depth, and some familiarity.
Sometimes the easiest wins are the ones you’ve already seen work before. These two guys? They’ve already proven it.