Blue Jackets sign potential key player to bolster defense alongside Zach Werenski ahead of upcoming NHL season

While the numbers from the Columbus Blue Jackets’ last campaign weren’t entirely negative, the goal of at least making a playoff run slipped away. Looking ahead to the upcoming NHL season, Zach Werenski knows he’ll need a competitive roster around him in order to make a serious push and deliver a statement year.

The good news for him—and for the rest of his teammates—is that in the last few hours, the arrival of a new defenseman has been confirmed, a player who could become a key piece on Dean Evason’s blue line.

According to an announcement made by Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell, former Minnesota Wild defenseman Daemon Hunt has signed a one-year, two-way NHL/AHL contract for the 2025-26 season.

“Daemon Hunt is a good, young two-way defenseman that plays a smart and controlled game,” said Waddell via NHL.com. “His signing provides us important additional organizational depth on our blue line.”

Daemon Hunt #48 of the Minnesota Wild takes a shot on goal during the first period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on November 09, 2023 in New York City.

Although he signed with the Blue Jackets, Hunt has yet to secure a spot on the NHL roster and could begin the season with their AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters.

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Looking to build on last season’s performance

After a surprisingly competitive 2024-25 season where they finished fourth in the Metropolitan Division, just two points shy of a playoff spot, the Columbus Blue Jackets are looking to build on that momentum. Under General Manager Don Waddell, the team has made a few strategic moves, though none of the big splash acquisitions some fans were hoping for.

The team’s biggest offseason additions came via trade, acquiring forwards Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood from the Colorado Avalanche, along with Brendan Gaunce from the Minnesota Wild, to bolster their depth. While the team largely stood pat in free agency, it did sign Isac Lundestrom to one-year deals. Columbus is now relying on continued development from its young core, including Adam Fantilli, Kirill Marchenko, and Zach Werenski, who finished second among all NHL defensemen with 82 points last season.

The hope is that the added depth, combined with an expected rise from their young stars and a potential breakout season from goaltender Jet Greaves, will be enough to finally push the Blue Jackets back into the postseason conversation in a tough Eastern Conference.