Last Updated on November 10, 2026 by Bernald Sanders
Michael Bunting is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays as a winger for the Philadelphia Flyers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on September 17, 1995, in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, he is known for his competitive playing style, determination, and offensive contributions.
Beyond his NHL career, Bunting is a husband, father, son, and brother. His wife is Jordan McDonell, a former college ice hockey player, and the couple welcomed their first child, a son named Bo Bunting, in 2025.
His parents are Andy and Lynda Bunting, and he has an older brother named Christopher Bunting. His mother and maternal grandfather played especially important roles in his upbringing and hockey development.
Michael Bunting’s Wife: Is He Married or Dating?
Michael Bunting is married to Jordan McDonell, a Canadian former competitive ice hockey player who attended McGill University.
The couple married in July 2024 during a wedding ceremony held at The Symes, an event venue in Toronto, Ontario.
According to an August 2024 interview published by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Michael and Jordan have known each other since childhood.
They first met when they were approximately eight years old and grew up playing hockey together in Ontario.
Jordan eventually pursued college hockey at McGill University, while Michael developed his professional career through junior hockey and the NHL.
Their wedding brought together approximately 180 guests, including relatives, longtime friends, and several current and former NHL players.
Michael’s older brother was among his groomsmen, reflecting the family’s involvement in the celebration.
Former Toronto Maple Leafs teammates, including Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and Morgan Rielly, were among the hockey figures associated with the wedding festivities.
During his interview with the Penguins, Bunting described the wedding as an enjoyable celebration and spoke affectionately about his wife.
Who Is Jordan McDonell?
Jordan McDonell is a former Canadian college ice hockey player from East York, Ontario.
She attended McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, where she played as a forward for the university’s women’s hockey team.
According to McGill University’s official athletics records, Jordan studied Physical and Health Education and competed for the university during the 2013–14, 2014–15, and 2015–16 seasons.
Her sporting background gave her and Michael a shared interest in hockey from childhood.
During their wedding interview, Michael jokingly acknowledged Jordan’s claim that she had taught him much of what he knew about hockey while they were growing up.
Despite being married to a well-known NHL player, Jordan generally maintains a relatively private life outside her appearances at hockey events and family celebrations.
Michael Bunting’s Children: How Many Kids Does He Have?
Michael Bunting and his wife, Jordan McDonell, have one publicly confirmed child, a son named Bo Bunting.
The couple welcomed Bo around the beginning of October 2025, shortly before the start of the Nashville Predators’ 2025–26 NHL season.
Bo Bunting – Michael Bunting’s Son
Bo Bunting is the first child of Michael Bunting and Jordan McDonell.
The Nashville Predators officially announced his arrival in an article published on October 8, 2025.
At the time, Michael was preparing for his first full season with Nashville after joining the organization in March 2025.
The team reported that he and Jordan had welcomed their baby boy the previous week.
Becoming a father marked an important personal milestone for the Canadian forward.
Despite the challenges associated with caring for a newborn while preparing for an NHL season, Bunting remained enthusiastic about his responsibilities on and off the ice.
During Nashville’s season-opening game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 9, 2025, Bunting scored the team’s first goal of the season.
His newborn son had also participated in the pregame Gold Walk at Bridgestone Arena, making the occasion especially memorable for the family.
Michael and Jordan have generally kept additional personal details about their son private.
Michael Bunting’s Parents: Who Are His Father and Mother?
Michael Bunting was born to Andy Bunting and Lynda Bunting in Scarborough, Ontario.
His parents separated when he was young, and he was primarily raised by his mother with assistance from his maternal grandfather.
Although his family experienced financial challenges, both parents encouraged his interest in sports and allowed him to explore different athletic activities during childhood.
Michael Bunting’s Father: Andy Bunting
Andy Bunting is Michael Bunting’s father and a former employee of the City of Toronto.
According to an April 2021 NHL feature about Michael’s childhood, Andy worked for the city while raising his family in the Toronto area.
Andy also played hockey during his younger years, contributing to the family’s athletic background.
Although Michael was primarily raised by his mother following his parents’ separation, he has publicly acknowledged both parents for encouraging his participation in sports.
Rather than pressuring him to concentrate exclusively on hockey, his parents allowed him to participate in basketball, soccer, tennis, volleyball, badminton, and other activities.
Michael later explained that this freedom helped him appreciate hockey and enjoy a more balanced childhood.
Andy’s involvement in sports and encouragement were part of the support that helped Michael eventually reach the NHL.
Michael Bunting’s Mother: Lynda Bunting
Lynda Bunting is Michael Bunting’s mother and one of the most influential figures in his life.
She raised Michael and his older brother, Christopher, primarily as a single mother in Scarborough, Ontario.
According to the NHL’s official coverage of Michael’s early career, Lynda worked as a bookkeeper at a retail store while supporting her children.
She also had an athletic background, having played volleyball at the University of Toronto.
Lynda is a breast cancer survivor, and her family experienced difficult periods while she worked to provide for her sons.
Despite these challenges, she continued supporting Michael’s sporting ambitions.
One of the family’s biggest obstacles was the expense associated with competitive youth hockey in the Greater Toronto Area.
When Michael received an opportunity to join the Don Mills Flyers AAA hockey program, the registration and participation costs initially appeared too expensive.
However, the organization arranged financial assistance through a payment plan that allowed him to participate.
The opportunity helped launch Michael’s junior hockey career.
Years later, after scoring his first NHL goal with the Arizona Coyotes in December 2018, Michael gave his mother a framed keepsake containing the puck from the milestone.
The gesture demonstrated his appreciation for the sacrifices she made during his childhood.
Michael Bunting’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Michael Bunting has one publicly documented sibling, an older brother named Christopher Bunting, commonly known as Chris.
Christopher grew up alongside Michael in Scarborough, Ontario, where the brothers were raised primarily by their mother and maternal grandfather.
Christopher Bunting – Michael Bunting’s Older Brother
Christopher Bunting is Michael’s older brother and the son of Andy and Lynda Bunting.
Like other members of the family, Christopher participated in competitive sports during his younger years.
According to an NHL interview published in April 2021, Christopher played rugby, while Michael pursued ice hockey.
Although the brothers followed different athletic interests, they shared a close family upbringing.
Christopher has also been part of important moments in Michael’s professional career.
After Michael scored his first NHL goal against the Boston Bruins on December 11, 2018, he gave Christopher the hockey stick he used during the game.
The gesture was especially meaningful because Michael had given their mother the puck from the same occasion.
Christopher also participated in Michael’s July 2024 wedding as one of his groomsmen.
Outside these family celebrations, Christopher maintains a relatively private life, and reliable information about his occupation and personal relationships is limited.
No additional siblings have been consistently identified in established reporting about Michael Bunting’s family.
Michael Bunting’s Grandfather: His Biggest Childhood Influence
Michael Bunting has spoken emotionally about the important role his maternal grandfather played in raising him.
During an interview published by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2024, Bunting identified his grandfather as perhaps the biggest influence on his life.
His grandfather, whom he affectionately called Papa, moved into the family home when Michael was young.
He helped Lynda raise Michael and Christopher and regularly accompanied Michael to hockey practices and games.
His support was especially important during the years when the family faced financial and personal challenges.
Michael developed such a strong bond with his grandfather that he honored him with a tattoo on his forearm.
His grandfather died in 2024 at the age of 98.
Although Bunting has experienced numerous professional milestones, he has repeatedly emphasized the importance of the relatives who supported him before he became an NHL player.
Michael Bunting’s Early Life and Family Background
Michael Bunting was born on September 17, 1995, in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada.
He grew up alongside his older brother Christopher and spent much of his childhood participating in different sports.
His route to professional hockey was unconventional because he did not follow the same early elite development pathway as many other NHL players.
He attended West Hill Collegiate Institute and later received an opportunity to compete for the Don Mills Flyers.
His impressive performances attracted the attention of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, who selected him in the 2013 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.
The Phoenix Coyotes subsequently drafted him in the fourth round, 117th overall, of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
He made his NHL debut with the Arizona Coyotes on December 11, 2018, scoring his first NHL goal against the Boston Bruins.
After establishing himself in Arizona, he joined the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2021.
During the 2021–22 season, he recorded 23 goals and 40 assists for 63 points and became a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy.
He later played for the Carolina Hurricanes, Pittsburgh Penguins, Nashville Predators, and Dallas Stars.
On October 6, 2026, the Philadelphia Flyers announced that they had signed Bunting to a one-year contract for the 2026–27 NHL season.
Throughout his professional journey, he has remained connected to his Scarborough roots and the family members who encouraged his development.
Frequently Asked Questions About Michael Bunting’s Family
Who is Michael Bunting’s girlfriend?
Michael Bunting is married to his longtime partner, Jordan McDonell. The couple married in July 2024 after knowing each other since childhood.
Who is Michael Bunting’s wife?
His wife is Jordan McDonell, a former college hockey player who represented McGill University in women’s ice hockey.
When did Michael Bunting get married?
Michael Bunting married Jordan McDonell in July 2024 at The Symes, a wedding venue in Toronto, Ontario.
Does Michael Bunting have children?
Yes. Michael Bunting and Jordan McDonell have a son named Bo Bunting, who was born in 2025.
Who is Michael Bunting’s father?
His father is Andy Bunting, who previously worked for the City of Toronto and played hockey during his younger years.
Who is Michael Bunting’s mother?
His mother is Lynda Bunting, a former bookkeeper and breast cancer survivor who raised Michael and his brother primarily as a single mother.
Does Michael Bunting have a brother?
Yes. Michael Bunting has an older brother named Christopher Bunting, also known as Chris, who played rugby during his younger years.
How many siblings does Michael Bunting have?
Michael Bunting has one publicly documented sibling, his older brother Christopher.
Who raised Michael Bunting?
Michael was primarily raised by his mother, Lynda, with significant assistance from his maternal grandfather, whom he affectionately called Papa.
What happened to Michael Bunting’s grandfather?
Michael Bunting’s maternal grandfather died in 2024 at the age of 98. Bunting has spoken about his grandfather’s influence and honored him with a tattoo.
Living and breathing ice hockey, Bernald Sanders delivers comprehensive coverage of the NHL season from puck drop to the Stanley Cup Finals. He specializes in tactical breakdowns, trade analysis, power-play strategies, and tracking rising draft prospects. Bernald turns fast-paced on-ice action into clear, sharp insights for hockey fans around the globe.
