Highly sought after un-drafted free agent Dryden Hunt was signed to an entry-level deal by the Florida Panthers back in March. Tuesday, he signed an amateur tryout agreement (ATO) with the club to play for the AHL’s Portland Pirates for the remainder of the season, the team announced.
His Moose Jaw Warriors were eliminated from the WHL playoffs in the second round, 4-1 by the Brandon Wheat Kings. Despite dropping four of five in the second round, Hunt is tied for second in the WHL in postseason points with 16 in 10 games. He’s also ranked third in goals (7), tied for second in power-play goals (3) and tied for first in game-winners (2).
He had an incredible regular season, putting up 58 goals and 58 assists in 72 regular season games, which was a bit step forward from last season’s 83 points in 71 games.
His 116 points ranked second in the WHL and his 58 goals paced the league.
He’ll join the Pirates as they start the AHL playoffs this week with a series against the Atlantic Division-leading Hersey Bears. Game 1 takes place Friday, April 22 at 7pm ET.
Dustin Nelson is the News Editor for The Hockey Writers. He’s a contributor to Hockey Prospectus, Hockey Wilderness, and writes a column for Rotowire. He’s also written for Gone Puck Wild, Wild Xtra, InDigest, Electric Literature, The Rumpus, Tiny Mix Tapes, Prefix Magazine & other publications. Have a tip? Email him at dlukenelson[at]gmail[dot]com.
