Name to Know: Michael Bunting

GLENDALE --Prospect Michael Bunting stepped up his production for the Tucson Roadrunners of the American Hockey League during December, and has climbed into a tie for third place on the team's points list for the season with 16 after 27 games. Only Dylan Strome and Nick Merkley with 30 each have produced more points for the Coyotes' top affiliate.
Bunting, whom the Coyotes drafted 117th overall in 2014, averaged nearly a point per game over 12 games in December, and compiled a seven-game point streak from Dec. 3-16.

The Roadrunners honored Bunting for his production and hard work in December by naming him the team's "Heart & Soul Player of the Month."
Bunting likes to play the game like Brad Marchand of the Boston Bruins. In other words, he plays a feisty game and isn't afraid to get into the corners and do the dirty work in an effort to create offense. Getting under the skin of his opponents also is a priority.
Bunting is on pace to have his best pro season in terms of offensive statistics. Last season, his second as a pro, he notched 28 points in 67 games for Tucson. With 16 already and 40 games to go, it appears he'll surpass last year's point total and then some.