Toronto Maple Leafs forward Michael Bunting leads all rookies in goals this year, but can he actually win the Calder Trophy at year’s end?
When I watch Michael Bunting every night, I always forget he’s a rookie, since he’d played 330 professional games (AHL and ECHL) prior to being a full-time player with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Bunting had 26 games of NHL experience prior to the 2021-22 season, but is still considered a rookie, based off NHL criteria. As such, at 26-years-old, Bunting is still eligible for the rookie of the year award this season.