With training camps drawing closer and September right around the corner, NHL teams are starting to look at professional tryout deals a little more seriously. The Washington Capitals kicked that off recently by bringing in goalie Cal Petersen on a PTO, and the Bruins could be among the next clubs to dip into that market.
Boston has plenty of competition already heading into camp, but there’s still value in taking a close look at a free agent or two. One name that stands out is Michael Bunting, a winger who could make sense for the Bruins on a tryout basis.
Bunting is still on the market after a rough year by his own standards in 2025-26. In 74 games between the Nashville Predators and Dallas Stars, he finished with 14 goals, 19 assists and 33 points.
Even so, his track record suggests there’s still something to work with. Before last season, Bunting had scored at least 19 goals in each of his previous four campaigns. From 2021-22 through 2023-24, he also produced at least 49 points every year, highlighted by his 23-goal, 63-point season in 79 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2021-22.
His 2023-24 season is worth noting too. Not long ago, Bunting put up 19 goals and 55 points in 81 games split between the Carolina Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins. That’s recent enough to make him a reasonable player for Boston to examine in camp.
And because it would be a PTO, the Bruins would be taking on very little risk. If Bunting doesn’t fit, they can simply move on and release him from the tryout.
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