The final piece of the roster work to be handled by Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell was handled on Friday, with the announcement of a one year, two-way contract extension for defenseman Daemon Hunt.
Acquired from the Minnesota Wild in the David Jiricek trade, Hunt joined the organization at the end of November. He wouldn't see any NHL time after coming over, but did play in 48 AHL games with the Cleveland Monsters, scoring 2 goals, 14 points, adding 16 penalty minutes and a -8 rating.
Though he did get into 13 games with the Wild early in his pro career, Daemon has mostly spent his time in the AHL. He is now a veteran of 4 AHL seasons, with 173 career games under his belt at that level. Originally a third round pick (#65 overall) at the 2020 NHL Draft, he's had plenty of time to simmer and learn the professional game.
There is some familiarity with head coach Dean Evason, who coached the Wild for more than four years, from 2019-24. With Hunt being plenty experienced in the AHL, and an NHL head coach who likely vouched for him prior to his being acquired; I do think we'll see him play some games with the Blue Jackets this season.
With that said, the team brought back 7 defensemen from last year's roster - so he will likely have to earn his keep and bide his time in Cleveland. I expect him to start the season back in the AHL, playing in a prime top-four role and doing the things he does best.
At 6'1" and around 200 pounds, he's a good all-around defenseman. He plays a mostly low event style, with offensive numbers that won't jump off the page; but he is a good skater who should be serviceable enough in depth minutes at the NHL level. I think he is what he is going to be: a #7 guy who can play in spot duty.
This two-way extension ensures that the team can send him up and down between Columbus and Cleveland without any risk. It also gives Daemon a chance to prove that he can play himself into a greater role within the organization. Hopefully, he can surprise us all and become a part of the future for the Blue Jackets.