Michael Bunting and a Hurricanes teammate get into a dust up and need to be separated by Brent Burns

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Mike Armenti
September 25, 2023 (12:25)

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Over the last two seasons in Toronto, Michael Bunting had established himself as an antagonist on the ice, often getting under the skin of the opposition. Unfortunately for the Leafs, Bunting's contract ask was too high this summer, resulting in him signing a 3-year deal in Carolina worth $4.5M per season.

We know that Bunting has drawn the ire of many opponents over the last few years, but now it appears that one of his own teammates has had enough of his antics. According to Cory Lavalette of The Athletic, Bunting and teammate Brendan Lemieux got in each others faces before they were separated by veteran defenseman Brent Burns.

"Bunting and Lemieux having a not-so-pleasant exchange for the second time in camp. Burns intervenes.

FWIW, the incident started when Bunting hit Lemieux with a one-timer at the end of practice, seemed inadvertent if reckless. Two guys who thrive on agitating getting into midseason form � wouldn't read too much into it."

Obviously, training camp is an emotional time for players and this wouldn't be the first time two teammates had exchanged shoves and got in each others faces. At this point, it doesn't appear to be a problem, but if it does occur again, the Canes may have themselves a problem.