The Philadelphia Flyers added a veteran edge to their forward group Tuesday, signing Michael Bunting to a one-year contract worth $1.2 million as the club looks to stop an early-season slide.
Bunting, 31, arrives with the Flyers still searching for their first win. Philadelphia is 0-2-2 through four games and has been beaten 17-5 overall, most recently falling 4-1 to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday. The Flyers are back on the road Thursday against the Ottawa Senators.
The winger split last season between the Nashville Predators and Dallas Stars, producing 14 goals and 19 assists in 74 regular-season games. Dallas acquired him March 5, but Bunting recorded only one goal and one assist across 13 games after the move. He also dressed for one playoff game, registering an assist.
He had been available as an unrestricted free agent since July 1. For Philadelphia, the signing adds a player with a history of finding offense around the crease and working through the heavier parts of the game, useful traits for a lineup that has struggled to generate chances and finish early in the schedule.
Arizona selected Bunting in the fourth round, 117th overall, at the 2014 NHL Draft. Across 418 regular-season games with the Coyotes, Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes, Pittsburgh Penguins, Predators and Stars, he has posted 109 goals and 143 assists for 252 points.
Bunting also has 14 Stanley Cup Playoff appearances on his resume, with two goals and four assists. His addition gives the Flyers another experienced option as they head into Ottawa trying to turn a difficult opening week into their first victory.
