Dryden Hunt is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger for the Calgary Wranglers of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on November 24, 1995, in Cranbrook, British Columbia, Hunt has built a steady professional career across multiple NHL organizations. He has also previously played for the Florida Panthers, Arizona Coyotes, New York Rangers, Colorado Avalanche and Toronto Maple Leafs. Known for his physical style and reliable two-way play, Hunt has established himself as a versatile bottom-six forward capable of contributing in various situations.
Dryden Hunt Bio
Dryden Hunt is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who has spent nearly a decade building his career in the National Hockey League. As a left winger who shoots left, Hunt has developed a reputation as a dependable depth player capable of playing a physical game while contributing to his team’s offensive production. His journey from undrafted free agent to established NHL veteran demonstrates his perseverance and ability to earn opportunities through consistent play at both the junior and professional levels.
Early Life and Background
Dryden Hunt was born on November 24, 1995, in Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada. Growing up in the Canadian Rockies region, Hunt developed his passion for hockey at a young age in a country where the sport holds a central place in national culture. His early development took place within the minor hockey systems of British Columbia, where he honed the skills that would eventually carry him to the professional ranks.
Hunt played his amateur junior hockey initially with the Notre Dame Argos in the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League before returning to his native British Columbia to play for the Kootenay Ice in the British Columbia Hockey Major Midget League. These early junior experiences shaped his development as a player, providing him with the competitive foundation necessary to advance to higher levels of the game.
Path to Professional Hockey
Seeking a major junior career, Hunt joined the Western Hockey League (WHL) and began playing for the Regina Pats. During his fourth season with the club in 2014-15, Hunt was leading the team with 47 points in 37 games before he was traded to the Medicine Hat Tigers on January 5, 2015. He contributed 36 points in 34 games with the Tigers to finish that season.
As an undrafted prospect, Hunt chose to play his overage season in the WHL and was acquired by the Moose Jaw Warriors before the 2015-16 campaign on September 23, 2015. This decision proved pivotal as Hunt emerged as one of the league’s most dominant forwards. He led the Warriors and the entire WHL with 58 goals in 72 games while serving as an alternate captain. Hunt completed the regular season with an impressive 116 points, demonstrating his ability to produce at an elite level. Although the Warriors suffered a second-round playoff exit, Hunt contributed 16 points in 10 post-season games. His outstanding season earned him recognition as the League’s Player of the Year and a place on the East First All-Star Team, validating his decision to pursue the overage route.
Dryden Hunt Career
Early Career (2016-2018)
Following his standout junior season, Hunt signed as a free agent to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Florida Panthers on March 2, 2016. He spent the majority of the 2016-17 season assigned to the Panthers’ AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds, where he scored 13 goals and 31 points in his first professional season. In February 2017, Hunt was briefly demoted to the ECHL’s Manchester Monarchs, where he appeared in two games and scored two goals before returning to Springfield. He began the 2017-18 season with the Thunderbirds before receiving his first recall to the NHL on November 9, 2017.
Hunt made his NHL debut with the Florida Panthers in a 4-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on November 10, 2017. He registered his first NHL point just weeks later, assisting on Jared McCann’s game-winning goal in a 3-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils on November 27. After 11 games with the Panthers, recording just one assist, he was returned to Springfield where he finished the season with 23 goals and 46 points in 58 games, demonstrating his continued offensive production at the AHL level.
Florida Panthers (2018-2020)
Hunt began the 2018-19 season with the Thunderbirds before being recalled by Florida on November 19. He made his season debut against the Ottawa Senators in a 7-5 victory, earning his first point of the season by assisting on McCann’s first-period goal. Hunt scored his first NHL goal on March 10, 2019, against goaltender Jimmy Howard in a 6-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. He finished the season having appeared in 31 games for the Panthers, scoring three goals and ten points, while also contributing 23 goals and 41 points in 51 games with Springfield.
Hunt made the Panthers roster out of training camp to begin the 2019-20 season. However, after playing 20 games and recording only four assists, he was placed on waivers in November. After going unclaimed, he was assigned to the AHL where he appeared in 35 games with Springfield, scoring 13 goals and 29 points. He was recalled in February 2020 and played one more game with Florida, suffering a lower-body injury before the NHL season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic on March 12. When play resumed for the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs, Hunt made his playoff debut in the qualifying round versus the New York Islanders, appearing in two games.
Arizona Coyotes (2020-2021)
After four seasons within the Panthers organization, Hunt was not tendered a qualifying offer as an impending restricted free agent, releasing him as an unrestricted free agent. On October 10, 2020, he signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Arizona Coyotes. In the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season, Hunt served primarily on the Coyotes’ taxi squad before making his debut for the team in a 4-3 defeat to the St. Louis Blues on February 2, 2021. He scored his first goal with Arizona against Ville Husso in a 5-4 loss to the St. Louis Blues on February 13. Adding a physical presence when inserted into the lineup, Hunt posted three goals and eight points through 26 games as the Coyotes missed the postseason.
New York Rangers (2021-2022)
On July 28, 2021, Hunt signed as a free agent to a two-year deal with the New York Rangers. He made his Rangers debut on season opening night, featuring on the fourth line in a 5-1 defeat to the Washington Capitals on October 13. Hunt reached a milestone on November 5, 2021, when he made his 100th NHL appearance in a 6-5 overtime defeat to the Edmonton Oilers. He scored his first goal with the Rangers in a 2-1 defeat to the Toronto Maple Leafs on November 18.
Known as one of the Rangers’ leaders in hits throughout the season, Hunt was elevated in the lineup and recorded a career-high three assists on March 12, 2022, in a 7-4 victory over the Dallas Stars. He finished the regular season with career highs of 76 games, six goals, 11 assists, and 17 points. Hunt appeared in three playoff games as the Rangers reached the Eastern Conference finals, though he went scoreless in those appearances.
Colorado Avalanche and Toronto Maple Leafs (2022-2023)
Beginning the 2022-23 season with the Rangers, Hunt scored one goal in three games before being placed on waivers on October 19, 2022. He was claimed by the defending champions, the Colorado Avalanche, on October 20. He made his debut on the fourth line in a 3-2 defeat to the Seattle Kraken on October 21. Hunt registered his first point and goal with the Avalanche in his 15th appearance, helping Colorado to a 4-1 win over the Dallas Stars on November 26.
After 25 appearances with the Avalanche, having registered only one goal, Hunt was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Denis Malgin on December 19, 2022. He scored his first goal for Toronto against his former team, the Florida Panthers, on January 17, 2023. However, after nine appearances with the Maple Leafs, Hunt was waived and reassigned to their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, on January 23. He played 15 games with the Marlies, scoring four goals and nine points to finish the season.
Calgary Flames Era (2023-Present)
On March 3, 2023, the Maple Leafs traded Hunt to the Calgary Flames in exchange for forward Radim Zohorna. He was directly reassigned to continue in the AHL with the Flames’ affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers, for the remainder of the season. As a free agent, Hunt opted to re-sign with Calgary, agreeing to a two-year, two-way contract on July 2, 2023.
Hunt made the Flames roster out of training camp to begin the 2023-24 season. After going pointless in four games, he was placed on waivers on November 7. After going unclaimed, Hunt was assigned to the Wranglers where he continued to produce offensively. He was recalled on February 16, 2024, and scored his first goal with the Flames on February 24 against Stuart Skinner in a 6-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. He finished the season having appeared in 28 games for the Flames, scoring three goals and eight points, while also contributing seven goals and 22 points in 23 games with the Wranglers.
Driving Style and Strengths
Hunt plays a physical, north-south game that makes him valuable as a bottom-six forward. His willingness to engage in the dirty areas of the ice and finish checks has made him a reliable presence on the fourth line throughout his career. He brings consistent effort shift after shift and has shown the ability to chip in offensively when called upon, making him a versatile option for coaching staffs.
Notable Events and Milestones
Several moments stand out in Hunt’s career trajectory. His WHL Player of the Year award in 2015-16 established him as a dominant junior performer. His NHL debut with the Florida Panthers on November 10, 2017, marked his transition to professional hockey’s highest level. The 2021-22 season with the Rangers saw him reach the 100-game milestone and record career highs across multiple statistical categories. His first goal with the Calgary Flames on February 24, 2024, represented a new chapter with his current organization.
Dryden Hunt Career Wins
Throughout his professional career spanning from 2016 to present, Hunt has accumulated wins and strong performances across both the NHL and AHL levels. His most productive offensive output came during his dominant WHL season with Moose Jaw, while his professional career has been characterized by consistent AHL production with notable NHL contributions.
NHL Highlights
At the NHL level, Hunt has appeared in over 150 games across six organizations. His first NHL goal came with the Florida Panthers on March 10, 2019, against the Detroit Red Wings. He scored his first goal with the New York Rangers on November 18, 2021, and his first with the Calgary Flames on February 24, 2024. His career-high 17 points with the Rangers during the 2021-22 season represents his most productive NHL campaign to date. Hunt has also appeared in NHL playoff games with both the Panthers and Rangers, gaining valuable postseason experience.
Other Wins and Performances
In the AHL, Hunt has been a consistently productive player with multiple franchises. His best professional season came in 2017-18 with Springfield, where he scored 23 goals and 46 points in 58 games. His junior career includes an outstanding 2015-16 season with Moose Jaw where he led the WHL with 58 goals and 116 points, earning League Player of the Year honors and a spot on the East First All-Star Team.
Dryden Hunt Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information regarding Dryden Hunt’s family background and racing lineage is not available in verified sources. This section cannot be supported with sufficient certainty to include.
Personal Life
Public information regarding Dryden Hunt’s personal life, including marital status or children, is not available in verified sources. This information remains private and cannot be confirmed.
2025 Season Performance
As of the 2024-25 season, Dryden Hunt continues his professional career under contract with the Calgary Flames organization. Playing primarily with the Calgary Wranglers in the AHL while remaining available for NHL recall, Hunt brings experience and physicality to the Flames’ organization. His ability to play both wing positions and contribute on special teams makes him a valuable depth option for the club. Looking ahead, Hunt will look to build upon his previous season’s performance and potentially earn another extended look with the Flames while continuing to be a reliable presence in the Wranglers’ lineup.