Daemon Hunt is eager to demonstrate his readiness for the NHL after signing a one-year, two-way contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets' President of Hockey Operations and General Manager, Don Waddell, announced the signing on August 15, 2025, highlighting Hunt's potential as a "good, young two-way defenseman" who plays a "smart and controlled game". Waddell also emphasized that Hunt's signing bolsters the team's defensive depth.
Hunt, born on May 15, 2002, in Moosomin, Saskatchewan, Canada, was originally drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the third round (65th overall) of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. The 23-year-old defenseman was traded to Columbus from Minnesota on November 30, 2024, in exchange for David Jiříček and draft picks.
Hunt made his NHL debut with the Wild on October 27, 2023, against the Washington Capitals. He has played 13 NHL games, recording one assist. He has also played 173 career AHL games over four seasons with the Cleveland Monsters and Iowa Wild, amassing 59 points (8 goals, 51 assists) and 64 penalty minutes. In the 2024-25 season, Hunt split time between Iowa and Cleveland, recording 18 points (2 goals, 16 assists) in 57 games. In 48 games with the Cleveland Monsters, Hunt accumulated 2 goals and 12 assists.
Prior to turning professional, Hunt played five seasons with the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he tallied 94 points (33 goals, 61 assists) in 163 games. He captained the Warriors in his final two seasons and had a standout year in 2021-22, posting 39 points (17 goals, 22 assists) in 46 games. Hunt also represented Canada at the 2019 IIHF World U18 Championships and helped the country win a silver medal at the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Hunt's new contract with the Blue Jackets carries a $775,000 cap hit for the 2025-26 season. As a restricted free agent at the end of the season, he will be looking to prove his value to the organization and secure a longer-term deal. He earns a minor salary of $80,000.
With a solid frame at 6-foot-1 and 201 pounds, Hunt is known for his two-way ability and hockey sense. His experience in the AHL, where he set a single-season career high with 29 points (3 goals, 26 assists) in 51 games with the Iowa Wild in 2023-24, demonstrates his offensive capabilities. He will be aiming to translate that offensive production to the NHL level while maintaining a strong defensive presence.
The upcoming season presents a significant opportunity for Daemon Hunt to establish himself as a reliable defenseman within the Blue Jackets organization. With organizational depth on the blue line, Hunt will be competing for a regular spot on the team.
