In nine appearances with the Leafs this season, Hunt has been limited to just a single goal as his only point since his arrival. Hunt has been a factor offensively away from the scoresheet, with an effective forechecking and physical ability that could see him make his way back into the lineup eventually.
With the recall of forward Pontus Holmberg, a player that Keefe and the Leafs have loved as a fourth-line center, and the play of winger Bobby McMann on the third line, there isn't a current scenario that fits Hunt back into the lineup right now.
Despite the shift back to the AHL, a placement he has been familiar with throughout his NHL career, this allows Hunt to work on his game and he can now move freely between the AHL and NHL without having to pass through waivers for the next 30 days.
This will mark Hunt's first tenure with the Marlies and add another weapon to the lineup. He now enters into the mix of possible call-ups, competing alongside an entirely new group of players in an entirely new environment.
POLL | ||
23 JANVIER | 684 ANSWERS Leafs officially assign winger to the Marlies Will Dryden Hunt make his way back into the Leafs lineup eventually? | ||
Yes | 454 | 66.4 % |
No | 230 | 33.6 % |
List of polls |