Michael Bunting BENCHED after he IGNORED Sheldon Keefe

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Ryan
March 27, 2023 (2:47 PM)

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During a game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Nashville Predators on Sunday, tensions ran high on the ice, leading to some pushing and shoving that required intervention from Bunting's teammates to prevent a penalty from being called.

Toronto's head coach, Sheldon Keefe, was visibly frustrated with Bunting's behavior and took him aside for a stern talk when he returned to the bench.

However, Bunting refused to acknowledge Keefe, prompting him to tap Bunting on the shoulder to get his attention. Reports suggest that Bunting may have even rolled his eyes during their conversation.

As a consequence of the incident, Bunting was benched for the remainder of the game, which was just over six minutes. Despite his absence, Toronto held on to their 3-2 lead and secured the win against the Predators.

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While Bunting is known for his tough and assertive playstyle, it seems that Keefe was more concerned with preventing a penalty call that could have led to a tied game at the end of regulation.

another Bunting-Keefe heart-to-heart pic.twitter.com/ZjwOlYL042� Omar (@TicTacTOmar) March 27, 2023

Bunting was benched after he snubbed Keefe during 3rd period (TV Caught it)
Keefe comment about Kerfoot might explain why. https://t.co/WAMn2qhKyz� John Restaino (@JohnRestaino13) March 27, 2023