Daemon Hunt (4.5 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — B+) Defense
(1) Brain – Offensively we really like how Daemon sees the game. He makes very good reads on when to jump into the play as a second wave or to create an odd man situation. In transition he makes quick tape to tape passes when they are available, while also showing the ability to recognize when using the boards is the right play.
(2) Vision & Poise – He is skilled with the puck and has a smooth first touch. He does an excellent job settling poor passes or bouncing pucks during neutral zone transition and hitting his forwards in stride on weakside or stretch passes. On defensive zone breakouts Daemon has the ability to find the low forward. His passes are easy to handle.
(3) Feet – He is an excellent skater. Smooth long stride, easy pivots and closing speed to pinch off line rushes.
(4) Compete & Effort – Daemon wins 50-50 battles and we feel he has the frame to continue winning them in professional hockey.
(5) Contact or Physicality – He is strong enough and has a powerful first step that allows him to eliminate opposing forwards during the cycle.
(6) Release – Smooth quick release while walking the blueline. He finds shooting lanes and generates rebounds.
(7) One Timer Ability – Daemon is a talented offensive defenseman who can one fire pucks from a variety of different shooting angles.
(8) Body Language – He is an Assistant Captain. It is obvious that both his teammates and opponents respect him.
(9) Special Teams Potential – He has the offensive instincts to be a power play option in the NHL. His skating ability and quickness will help him to be a penalty killer.
(10) Intangibles – During the 2019-20 season Moose Jaw was negative (-145) in goals against on the season, while Daemon checked in at a personal negative (-24). During the 2018-19 season Moose Jaw was plus (+42) for the season and Daemon was personal plus (+21). We feel Daemon is a solid two way defenseman who has top 4 NHL potential.
A good puck moving defenseman, who has lots of poise in his game. On offense he has a heavy slap shot that he loves to get off on the power play. In transition, he is very alert with the puck and can make passes on the fly as well as slip through defenders with his smooth stride and effortless transitions. Playing with more aggression in the defensive end and trusting his feet more will help him become a better defender.