Leafs winger clears waivers; Keefe reveals the reason he was waived on Sunday
It's safe to say that there were a lot of members of Leafs Nation caught off guard by the news that the Leafs were waiving the newly acquired Dryden Hunt on Sunday. From the very beginning, when the Leafs dealt Denis Malgin to Colorado in exchange for Hunt, it was believed that the trade was initiated because they knew Malgin would not pass through waivers, whereas Hunt was a little more likely. Well, as it turns out, we now have our answer.
Hunt cleared waivers on Monday, meaning that he'll likely be assigned to the AHL's Toronto Marlies later today (if that transaction wasn't already pending). Hunt has been noticeable on the forecheck for the Leafs in his 9 games with the club so far, but not so noticeable on the score sheet, registering just one lone goal in his 9 games. He also had 31 hits for the Buds, which has boosted his season total to 100 hits when you factor in his play with both New York and Colorado as well.
Following practice on Monday, Sheldon Keefe was asked by the media what the reason for placing Hunt on waivers was. In his response, Keefe revealed that the decision actually wasn't his, but rather Leafs GM Kyle Dubas.
-Keefe on the Leafs' decision to waive the feisty, defensively-minded winger Dryden Hunt
Pontus Holmberg has already been recalled by the Leafs and with the team looking as though they're pretty high on 26-year-old rookie Bobby McMann, there's really no need for Hunt on the 23-man roster, much to his disappointment, I'm sure.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 23 | 686 ANSWERS Leafs winger clears waivers; Keefe reveals the reason he was waived on Sunday Do you think the Leafs should keep Hunt for depth or trade him to open up another contract slot? | ||
| Keep him in the AHL | 270 | 39.4 % |
| Trade him to open a contract slot | 248 | 36.2 % |
| He should be playing in the NHL | 168 | 24.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
