Wild place defenseman Daemon Hunt on waivers; Predators claim him
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The gist
The Minnesota Wild placed 24-year-old defenseman Daemon Hunt on waivers, and Nashville claimed him the next day.
The move thins Minnesota's blueline as it manages injuries and a five-game road trip.
Background
The Minnesota Wild are an NHL club whose defensive corps (the blueline) recently returned to full health, with Olli Maatta and Jared Spurgeon back in the lineup. Daemon Hunt, a 24-year-old defenseman and former third-round draft pick, had zero points and a -4 rating in 11 games this season on a one-year deal worth $900,000. With the roster crowded again, Minnesota had to make what head coach John Hynes called "difficult" decisions on defense.
How it unfolded
- Nov 30, 2024The Wild traded Daemon Hunt to Columbus as part of the package for defenseman David Jiricek.
- Oct 3, 2025Minnesota claimed Hunt back on waivers.
- Oct 22, 2026The Wild (6-2-2) played at Calgary, with Jesper Wallstedt starting in goal.
- Oct 23, 2026Minnesota placed Hunt on waivers after he posted zero points and a -4 rating in 11 games.
- Oct 24, 2026The Nashville Predators claimed Hunt off waivers, and the Wild recalled forward Mason Shaw from the Iowa Wild of the AHL (the top minor league).
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Head coach John Hynes said the Wild had to make "difficult" decisions with the blueline and that Matt Kiersted would go in with Hunt picked up.
Still unverified
Quinn Hughes said he is "excited right now" and that "something could happen soon" regarding his future with Minnesota, but added he is "not really too sure"; no new contract has been reported despite his extension eligibility since July 1.