The Minnesota Wild announced Tuesday that they have inked 24‑year‑old defenseman Daemon Hunt to a one‑year deal worth $900,000 for the upcoming 2026‑27 season, a move that underscores the club’s intent to bolster its blue‑line depth.
Hunt’s Breakout Season
During the previous campaign Hunt posted career‑high numbers across the board, recording a personal best in games played while contributing seven assists, six penalty minutes and 62 blocked shots in 45 NHL appearances for Minnesota.
The transaction also marks a full‑circle moment for Hunt, who was claimed off waivers by the Wild from the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 3, 2025, a move that gave the team immediate roster flexibility.
Beyond the NHL, Hunt has been a mainstay in the American Hockey League, logging 59 points, 64 penalty minutes and 224 shots in 173 games for the Iowa Wild and Cleveland Monsters, and he capped the 2023‑24 season by ranking third in assists and fifth in points with the Iowa affiliate.
His junior career adds another layer of intrigue; Hunt served as captain of the Moose Jaw Warriors in the Western Hockey League from 2020 to 2022, compiling 94 points and 81 penalty minutes over 163 games.
Looking Ahead
General manager Bill Guerin praised the signing, noting that Hunt’s blend of physicality and offensive upside fits the Wild’s evolving identity as they look to remain competitive in a crowded Central Division.
With the contract in place, the Wild’s coaching staff expects Hunt to bring a steady presence on the ice and to mentor younger defensemen as the team pushes for a playoff berth.