Michael Bunting is nearing a decision, with Manny Malhotra's Canucks among three NHL teams pushing for the veteran winger.
Bunting remains unsigned with training camps approaching, but his market has narrowed. Vancouver, the Boston Bruins and Columbus Blue Jackets have all emerged as possible landing spots.
The timing matters. Bunting is no longer choosing between vague offseason possibilities. He now has three clubs offering different paths back into a regular middle-six role.
Vancouver gives Malhotra another experienced winger who can work around the net, pressure defenders and bring some bite to a forward group still sorting out its depth.
Boston presents another intriguing fit under Marco Sturm. Bunting's direct style could slide into the Bruins' middle six without requiring him to carry the offensive load.
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Columbus also has room for an established NHL winger under Rick Bowness, especially on a roster looking to reshape responsibilities and competition throughout its forward group.
Bunting still brings useful secondary scoring
The production hasn't disappeared. Bunting finished the 2025-26 season with 14 goals and 19 assists across 74 games.
That gave him 33 points while splitting the season between Nashville and Dallas. For a club searching for secondary offense rather than a true top-six driver, that output still carries value.
His role is also fairly clear at this stage. Bunting can play inside the middle six, get to difficult areas around the crease and give a coaching staff another winger capable of moving around the lineup.
The biggest question is opportunity. Vancouver could use him to create more competition for younger forwards, while Boston can offer a heavier role inside a lineup that fits his style.
Columbus brings a different setup. The Blue Jackets can offer experience around a younger group, with Zach Werenski carrying major responsibility as the organization continues reshaping its identity.
Bunting's decision now carries more weight because camp is close. Signing soon would give him a cleaner runway to establish chemistry, win deployment and avoid entering the season from behind.
Three teams are now in the mix, and each has a realistic opening. Bunting's next move could come down to which club gives him the clearest path to meaningful minutes.
Would Michael Bunting be the best fit with the Vancouver Canucks?
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