WATCH – Michael Bunting and Sheldon Keefe downplay ‘tapping’ incident on Leafs’ bench in 3-2 win against Predators
Michael Bunting and Sheldon Keefe decide to downplay their viral conversation stating everything’s alright between the two.
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Michael Bunting and Sheldon Keefe [Image Credit: NHL/Hamilton Spectator]
Michael Bunting and Sheldon Keefe’s so-called heart-to-heart bench talk has fired up the internet space, as both choose silence rather than commotion. Both of them stated that all is well between them and refused to comment any further.
The incident took place during Toronto Maple Leafs’ 3-2 victory over the Nashville Predators on Sunday. The video went viral as Keefe was caught tapping on Bunting’s shoulder giving him pieces of advice as the forward turned their head, ignoring the whole time.
Keefe’s attempt to start and keep on the conversation alive was dusted off boldly by the 27-year-old as the cameras caught on the moment. Although the incident took place back on Sunday, Bunting and Keefe were asked to comment on it recently. According to them, it was a non-issue moment that shouldn’t have gained such viral recognition.
Sheldon Keefe screams at Michael Bunting during Sunday’s game
![Michael Bunting and Sheldon Keefe [Image Credit: The Hockey Beast]](https://firstsportz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Untitled-design-12-24-1024x768.png)
Following Tuesday’s practice, Maple Leafs’ coach Sheldon Keefe commented on his interaction with forward Michael Bunting, “Bunts and I do have a relationship that goes far beyond here. But that’s not anything I focus on and think about. It’s a non-issue for me”.
“I give players a lot of leeway and a pass essentially, especially for those that come right off the ice. For me to expect a player coming right from the heat of the battle to sit on the bench and be a true gentleman when I want to go talk to him, I’m putting myself at risk in going into that situation.”
“A non-issue for me. I think he got the message. I know that he hears me.” On the other hand, Bunting said, “I’ll leave that between Keefer and I. But what I will say is, Keefer and I have a good relationship. We’ve known each other for a very long time.”
“And, yeah, there’s not really much to see there”. “He’s one of the reasons I came to Toronto, so, yeah, we’ll leave it at that. He knows, obviously, how to coach me and knows how I am and what kind of player I am. So, I wouldn’t really look much into that. And, yeah, just another day.”
Coaches and players can often have disagreements and end up fighting, it’s nothing unusual. A look back to the such incident would be between Stanley Cup champion Nathan Mackinnon and Jared Bednar. Especially with Keefe demoting Bunting to the third line, things may have been a bit heated between the two.
The new line commands, Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and Calle Jarnkrok, while Bunting is playing with newbies Sam Lafferty and Noel Acciari. Although Keefe gave an earful to Bunting on Sunday, they both downplayed the situation, as the coach later praised Bunting for his efforts on the ice.
“I think Bunts’s game has really improved here in the last week to two weeks. He’s making lots more plays. He’s skating better, to me. It looks like he’s playing with a freer mind and looks to be finding his game again,” according to Keefe said.
“I’ve talked to him at length about some defensive things that are really important, but to me his game has really been trending in a good direction.” Bunting said, “I’m happy to play anywhere, to be honest.”
“That’s first, second, third or fourth line. I want to help this team win, and it doesn’t matter where I am. I’m gonna bring it every single night. So, that’s what I plan to do. And I’m happy wherever I am.”
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