Full Breakdown
Minnesota Wild Claims Daemon Hunt Off Waivers from Columbus Blue Jackets
10/4/2025, 2:13:37 PM
Key Roster Moves by Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild has made significant roster adjustments by claiming defenseman Daemon Hunt off waivers from the Columbus Blue Jackets and recalling defenseman Matt Kiersted from the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League (AHL). This decision, announced by Bill Guerin, the Wild's President of Hockey Operations and General Manager, comes as the team prepares for the upcoming NHL season.
Daemon Hunt, 23, originally drafted by the Wild in the third round (65th overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft, returns to Minnesota after being traded to Columbus in November 2024 as part of the deal that brought defenseman David Jiricek to the Wild. In his brief NHL career, Hunt has played 13 games for Minnesota, recording one assist. He has also accumulated 59 points (8 goals, 51 assists) in 173 AHL games over five seasons with the Iowa Wild and Cleveland Monsters. Last season, he played 48 games for the Monsters, scoring two goals and 12 assists.
Matt Kiersted, 27, has been recalled following a successful season with the Charlotte Checkers, where he led the AHL in plus-minus rating and contributed 29 points (1 goal, 28 assists) in 64 games. He has a total of 233 AHL games under his belt, with 85 points and a notable plus-57 rating. Kiersted also brings collegiate experience, having played four seasons at the University of North Dakota.
Strategic Implications for the Wild
The addition of Hunt and the recall of Kiersted are strategic moves aimed at bolstering the Wild's defensive lineup. With Jonas Brodin recovering from off-season surgery, there is an opportunity for Hunt to secure a spot on the roster. The Wild's current training camp roster includes nine defensemen, and Hunt's performance in the upcoming preseason game against the Chicago Blackhawks will be critical in determining his role.
To accommodate these changes, the Wild released defenseman Jack Johnson from his professional tryout. This move reflects the team's commitment to integrating younger players into their lineup as they aim for competitiveness in the NHL.
Criticism from Columbus Blue Jackets
The loss of Daemon Hunt has drawn criticism from the Columbus Blue Jackets' management. The team had hoped to assign Hunt to their AHL affiliate but was unable to do so after he was claimed by Minnesota. This situation has left the Blue Jackets with a thinner defensive lineup, raising concerns about their depth heading into the season. The management's decision to keep three goaltenders instead of solidifying their defensive corps has been viewed as a misstep.
What's Next for the Wild
As the Wild finalize their roster ahead of the season opener, they must submit their season-opening roster by Monday evening. This includes any players who need to clear waivers, which must be done by 1:00 PM EST on Sunday. The Wild's upcoming game against the Blackhawks will serve as a crucial evaluation point for both Hunt and Kiersted as they seek to solidify their positions on the team.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s not often that a general manager can let a prospect go in a trade, and then get that same player back without it costing him an asset.” — Tom Banks, Hockey Analyst
- “As a result, the blue line just became a little thinner for the Blue Jackets.” — Chris Johnson, TSN Reporter
- “This new addition is expected to boost the team’s performance in the upcoming season.” — Emegypt Sports News
These roster moves highlight the Minnesota Wild's proactive approach to enhancing their defense as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming NHL season.
