Predators claim Daemon Hunt off waivers from division rival Wild

Minnesota Wild defenseman Daemon Hunt. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Predators claim Daemon Hunt off waivers from division rival Wild

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Oct 24, 2026 3:18 PM ET

The Nashville Predators have reportedly claimed defenseman Daemon Hunt off waivers from the divisional rival Minnesota Wild.

Minnesota placed the 24-year-old on waivers on Friday in order to open up room on the roster with the return of blue-liners Jared Spurgeon and Olli Maatta.

The team initially placed him on waivers with the aim of sending him down to the AHL's Iowa Wild if he happened to clear waivers. But the Predators acted fast and claimed him and he wasn't able to clear.

The Predators' interest in Hunt derived from their need to add an NHL-ready player on the blue-line to bolster their depth. Since Hunt is a waiver claim, he has to stay on the Predators' active 23-man NHL roster, which instantly provides them with an NHL-ready player.

Sources say the Nashville Predators have claimed Daemon Hunt off waivers
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) October 24, 2026

Predators shake up roster by adding a young developmental talent in Daemon Hunt

Hunt has played in 11 games in the NHL this season and averaged over 14 minutes of ice time per game. He has value as a young asset with upside who has plenty of room to grow and develop as a defenseman with a left-handed shot.

The Predators are looking to mix things up with their roster while also transforming their look, and acquiring a former third-round pick at no cost is a low-risk, high-reward gamble that's worth testing.

As well, the Predators claiming Hunt acts as a tactic to snag away a young talent who the Wild deemed as valuable but weren't able to keep. Due to a crowded roster, there was no room for him, and the Wild's loss now becomes the Predators' gain.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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