The Leafs pulled off a surprising trade on Monday, acquiring winger Dryden Hunt in a trade with the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Denis Malgin. The move came just two months after the Avs claimed Hunt off waivers from the New York Rangers. However, prior to his time in New York, Hunt spent a season in Arizona. One of his teammates that season was none other than Leafs winger Michael Bunting, who had nothing but great things to say about Hunt's game.
Leafs Nation won't get a look at Hunt just yet, as the 27-year-old has not yet touched down in Toronto. Nevertheless, Bunting is thrilled to have the opportunity to reunite with Hunt.
Sheldon Keefe has all but confirmed that Hunt will receive an immediate look on the team's bottom six once he does arrive, but it wouldn't be shocking to see him get a look or two at practice first, just so he has a chance to build a bit of chemistry with his teammates, much the way the Leafs handled the Conor Timmins acquisition and transition from Arizona to Toronto. Unlike Timmins, however, Hunt has not missed nearly as much time due to injury and is a forward, not a blueliner, so there may be less of a wait to squeeze him into the lineup.
