First opportunity for Daemon Hunt in his return to the Wild

RALEIGH N C In retrospect Minnesota Wild defenseman Daemon Hunt doesn t necessarily think the last months have been all that strange But a closer look at his career path shows the arc of a boomerang sent away but finding its way back to where it started On Thursday night at Carolina Hunt was back in the Wild lineup for his th career battle in the organization but not before spending roughly months in Cleveland as property of the Columbus Blue Jackets Around this time last season Hunt was part of the package of picks and players sent to Columbus by Wild general manager Bill Guerin to get defenseman David Jiricek Then in September when the Blue Jackets placed Hunt on waivers with the intention of sending him back to their Cleveland AHL group where Hunt played games last season the Wild grabbed him It was easy coming back knowing everybody and the organization It s already like a family here Hunt explained on Thursday afternoon after the morning skate at the Lenovo Center It s really good to be back and I haven t played in a while so it s exciting I never take it for granted to be in the NHL In games this season Jiricek has shown off his physical skills but has been mistake-prone and displayed various of the inconsistency that has been an overall weak spot in the Wild s disappointing start to the season So on Thursday coach John Hynes gave Jiricek a night off and replaced him with one of those traded away to get Jiricek a year ago I think Daemon s a good skating defenseman Hynes disclosed I think he has certain physical elements to his match He can move the puck I m excited for him to be able to get an opportunity I think it s well-deserved For Hunt the past month has represented a kind of career limbo The Wild haven t played him but also can t send him down to Iowa because if they place him on waivers Columbus or another crew could claim Hunt So the chance to put on a jersey and play paired with Zeev Buium was exciting for the young defenseman It s been a little bit tough for sure Hunt admitted I m in kind of a weird spot in my career where it s like I feel I m good enough to be in the NHL and then I got picked up on waivers and I m not playing So mentally it s been a little bit challenging trying to stick with it and look for the positives and have glass half full type of vibes I m happy to be here Milestone meeting for Boldy If you needed further proof of Wild forward Matt Boldy s transition from young star to veteran cornerstone of the Minnesota offense look no further than his career games played number which read following his opening shift on Thursday His tournament continues to grow I think he really understands how good a sportsman he can be when he plays a certain way with a certain mindset Hynes mentioned I think he s been consistent with that off the ice He s gained confidence through his play through different experiences Nations World Championships more time in the league more time in here He s more vocal and he brings a lot of potential For Boldy s part he s still just and seemed a little amazed to be passing the games milestone already It s crazy It s pretty cool It seems quick for sure he announced I guess that s a good thing Boldly was also hoping games would be a kind of slump-buster He scored a goal in each of the Wild s first four games this season but came to Carolina with just one in his previous outings Related Articles The story behind the whacky goal that won the Wild a meeting A challenge like a fruit salad gives Wild their first win streak Success stems from Wild penalty killers focus on basics Every Wild win will end in a postgame hat trick this season Specific much-needed daylight as Wild snap five-game losing skid