As officially announced, Daemon Hunt has inked a two-way contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets and is next in line to complete the team’s 43-player contract roster. Columbus had only one more unsigned restricted free agent on its roster: the 23-year-old defenseman. Hunt brings both NHL and AHL experience and versatility to a team that has largely opted to keep its core defenders together.
The announcement about the signing of the Hunt ignited the curiosity of people who were interested in hockey and even drew the interest of sports bettors. Chances of Columbus crusading this season on the defensive side have since increased with the possibility of Hunt. Having the potential to play at the NHL level or be recalled to the Cleveland Monsters, Hunt is reliable and can give some upside, and this can affect the predictions of the Blue Jackets about their defensive stability, potentially impacting the odds on the best sports betting sites in Canada in the upcoming games.
Hunt was acquired through the trade with the Minnesota Wild, whereas David Jiricek was sent to Minnesota in November of last year. He has been a major asset to Cleveland in the AHL since joining the company, and at the same time, he has been a top candidate on the recall list of the NHL unit. His availability guarantees the Jackets that whenever injury interferes or there is a requirement to make changes in the lineup, they will have a left-handed defenceman to replace him. With such a two-way system, the team not only earns roster flexibility but also avoids losing quality on the ice, which is critical during the challenging NHL season.
A third-round pick in 2020, Hunt played 48 games last season with the Monsters, recording two goals and 12 assists while posting a -8 rating. Though his numbers were lower than the 29 points he posted in 51 games with Iowa the previous season, the adjustment to a new organization is a natural factor. Limited NHL appearances haven’t diminished his promise: across 13 career NHL games, Hunt logged an assist and maintained strong possession metrics, including a 54.6 Corsi For percentage and a 57.1 expected goals for percentage at even strength. These underlying numbers point to a player who can be trusted when called upon at the highest level.
While Hunt is unlikely to secure a spot on the opening-night roster, hence the two-way contract, he stands as the top recall candidate alongside prospect Stanislav Svozil. The team will have the option to assign him to Cleveland through waivers if necessary, marking a first in his professional career. This setup allows the Blue Jackets to monitor his development closely while keeping defensive depth intact, a balancing act that has become increasingly important for teams managing both immediate performance and long-term growth.
Looking ahead, Hunt will re-enter restricted free agency next summer, giving Columbus a chance to evaluate his progress before committing to a longer-term deal. His NHL experience combined with AHL versatility ensures he remains a valuable asset, capable of stepping up when circumstances demand. For the Blue Jackets, the two-way contract represents a strategic investment in defensive depth and flexibility, providing both immediate coverage and potential future contributions.
