Blue Jackets Rumors: Should the Jackets Sign Dryden Hunt?
Dryden Hunt is a 20 year old versatile forward playing his WHL overage season with the Moose Jaw Warriors. The 6 ft, 201 pound left wing is currently leading the WHL in scoring with 49 goals and 50 assists through 51 games played (99 points). Even more impressive is the recent performance, as Hunt is now coming off four hat tricks in his last five games. The past ten games show Hunt putting up 18 goals and seven assists for 25 points. Complementing the explosive point totals are Hunt’s two-way play and featured role on the team’s penalty kill. The most surprising detail surrounding Hunt’s future is the Left Winger’s availability now to be signed to an Entry Level Contract, as he went unselected in the past two NHL Drafts and his rights are not owned by an NHL Team. While Hunt did spend some time with the Montreal Canadiens’ rookie camp this past summer, he left the camp unsigned.
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While many are concerned regarding the reasons that the forward has been passed over in two drafts and was unsigned during a rookie camp by the prospect-deficient Canadiens team, simply watch the forwards game to ease any concern. Hunt has put in the time this offseason to address the biggest flaw in his game; foot work. The thick bodied, blue collar forward plays a strong two way game, owning a powerful shot and has developed his foot speed entering this season. Hunt’s game has an upside reminiscent of St. Louis LW Alexander Steen, which makes signing the forward a low-risk, high reward option. Currently it is rumored that four NHL teams are in talks with Hunt trying to sign the late-emerging talent; hopefully the Blue Jackets are in on the talks.
Hunt has gradually improved his point totals in past seasons, before breaking out from the crowd this season. The forward was traded to Moose Jaw at the beginning of the season by Medicine Hat, due to a surplus of overagers on the Medicine Hat roster. Moose Jaw Head Coach Tim Hunter had the following to say regarding the acquisition of Hunt:
“The quality person he is and then the hockey player he is, it’s been unbelievable. It’s those times on the bench when you need someone to talk to a young guy the right way.”
Character (check), work ethic (check), proven offensive ability (check) and responsible two-way play (check). Where does this talent fall short? While Hunt has a thick frame and powerful stride, start up speed is an area that continues to be worked upon. Seeing playing time with the Lake Erie Monsters next season will certainly allow for increased development and give the Blue Jackets the ability to assess future organizational fit, without using a draft pick or trading an asset.
Next: Blue Jackets History: Throwback Thursday 2003 Draft
If the Blue Jackets are able to sign Dryden Hunt to a three year entry level deal, he would immediately join Sonny Milano and Oliver Bjorkstrand as a top three offensive prospect in the Blue Jackets’ Organization. This is the type of gamble a building team can and should make to bolster the organization’s prospect pool. Keep an eye on Dryden Hunt, as he can be a future feature on the Blue Jackets and a regular on their penalty kill. The Moose Jaw Warriors play their next game at home against Prince Albert on February 27th.