The Minnesota Wild announced Tuesday that they have locked in Daemon Hunt on a one-year, $900,000 contract, a move that reinforces the team’s defensive depth heading into the next season.
Hunt, a 24-year-old left-shot defenseman, brings a blend of shot-blocking grit and reliable two-way play that the coaching staff has come to trust in a seventh-defense role.
Last season he appeared in 32 NHL games, contributing six assists while also delivering 43 blocked shots, numbers that illustrate his ability to make an impact without needing top-pair minutes.
Drafted in the third round of the 2020 NHL entry draft, Hunt has accumulated 59 points in 173 AHL games and a career minus-11 rating, showing that his value lies more in his defensive reliability than in offensive production.
His physicality was on display during the playoffs, where he logged eight blocks and six hits across five games, underscoring his willingness to raise the intensity when the stakes rise.
With veterans such as Olli Maatta, Zach Bogosian and Jonas Brodin anchoring the blue line, Hunt’s addition creates competition for a spot behind the top pairing, while also providing a cost-effective option that could help the Wild navigate cap constraints.
If he reaches the 35-game threshold in the upcoming campaign, Hunt will avoid becoming a Group 6 unrestricted free agent at age 25, a strategic win for Minnesota’s long-term planning.
Depth Reinforcement for the Wild
The Wild’s blue line now features a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging youngsters, including Brock Faber and Jared Spurgeon, who together with Hunt form a layered defensive unit.
Coaches have praised Hunt’s steady presence, noting that his ability to kill penalties and protect the net can tip the balance in tightly contested games, especially during a grueling schedule.
General manager’s comments highlighted the importance of a player who can step in, block shots, and keep the puck out of the net, reinforcing the team’s identity as a defensively responsible club.
Fans can expect to see Hunt paired with a variety of partners throughout the season, a flexibility that adds depth and resilience to the roster.