Florida Panthers: Recapping Dryden Hunt’s Year in 2019

Following a disappointing 2018 season for winger Dryden Hunt, the young forward bounced back nicely with a solid 2019 campaign for the Florida Panthers.

After going undrafted numerous years ago, Dryden Hunt recorded a historic season in the WHL for the Moose Jaw Warriors.

In 72 regular-season games, Hunt registered a sensational slash line of 58G, 58A, for 116 points. Hunt’s phenomenal season earned himself a two-way contract with the Florida Panthers.

Dryden Hunt would spend the entire 2017 pro-hockey season with the Springfield Thunderbirds, the AHL affiliate for the Florida Panthers.

In 70 games for Springfield, Hunt recorded a respectable slash line of 13G, 18A, for 31 points. In essence, Hunt’s rookie season in the AHL was comprised of many struggles and suggested he needed more time with Springfield.

Hunt’s sophomore season in the AHL was a completely different storyline. Dryden was undoubtedly dominant, posting a superb statistical line of 23G, 23A, for 46 points in 58 AHL games.

Furthermore, Hunt’s successful AHL campaign earned himself some playing time with the Panthers during the 2018 season.

In 11 NHL games, Dryden Hunt would record no goals and only one assist. Essentially, Hunt clearly struggled offensively and required further development in the American Hockey League, once again.

The 2019 pro-hockey season was Hunt’s most impressive one in his career. In 51 AHL games for the Springfield Thunderbirds, Dryden recorded a fantastic tally of 23G, 21A, for 44 points, proving that the 23-year-old talented forward no longer belongs in the AHL.

Additionally, Dryden Hunt would certainly impress in his second stint with the Florida Panthers throughout the course of the 2019 season.

In 31 NHL games for the Cats, Hunt recorded a respectable line of 3G, 7A, for 10 points. Hunt was essentially a solid presence for the Panthers on the bottom six, particularly the fourth line.

With Dryden Hunt’s three-year, entry-level contract expiring, General Manager Dale Tallon should certainly offer the 23-year-old a contract extension.

Hunt possesses quality skill offensively and certainly belongs on the Florida Panthers as either a depth forward or an everyday fourth liner.

In addition, Hunt provides energy and physical toughness, along with adequate point producing in limited playing time.

With further NHL experience, Dryden Hunt should develop into a productive bottom-six forward for the Florida Panthers, similarly to Frank Vatrano.

Both Vatrano and Hunt destroyed the AHL but initially struggled at the NHL level. Although, Vatrano finally pieced things together and produced a 24-goal campaign last season for the Cats, which saw the 25-year-old receive ample amount of playing time in the top six.

If given a greater role and more playing time, Hunt could possibly produce anywhere between 25-30 points for the Panthers in 2020.

Ideally, the native of Canada is slowly but surely developing into a talented forward in the National Hockey League. The Panthers should not suddenly give up on Hunt, but rather continue developing him at a pace where he can reach his full potential.

Ultimately, Hunt is an adequate play-making winger who possesses grit and an unlimited motor. The Cats should be highly impressed with Dryden’s development over the past few seasons, especially with Hunt’s successful 2019 campaign.

The 23-year-old winger should be presented with the opportunity to earn a spot on the opening night lineup for the Panthers in 2020 if he impresses at training camp.

In essence, the Florida Panthers must re-sign Dryden Hunt and provide him with a spot on the team’s fourth line next season. The promising Hunt will likely continue developing into a reliable bottom-six forward for Florida.