The Calgary Flames have officially re-signed forward Dryden Hunt to a two-year, two-way contract extension. The deal, announced Friday, carries an average annual value (AAV) of $825,000 at the NHL level. This move brings back a versatile player who has proven to be a valuable asset both for the Flames and their AHL affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers.
Hunt, who will turn 30 in November, spent the 2024-25 season splitting time between the NHL and AHL. In five games with the Flames, he tallied three assists, showcasing his playmaking ability in limited action. His contributions were more pronounced with the Wranglers, where he recorded a career-high 49 points (16 goals, 33 assists) in 49 games. This placed him third in team scoring and demonstrated his offensive capabilities at the AHL level.
The two-way nature of the contract is a key element of this signing. It provides the Flames with flexibility, allowing them to move Hunt between the NHL and AHL as needed. This is particularly valuable given the potential influx of young forwards like Andrew Basha, Matvei Gridin, and Aydar Suniev who may be vying for roster spots with the Wranglers. Hunt's veteran presence and reliable performance in the AHL make him an ideal player to have in the system to mentor these young players.
Hunt's journey to this point has been one of perseverance. The Cranbrook, BC native went undrafted out of the Western Hockey League, where he played for Regina, Medicine Hat, and Moose Jaw. He earned a contract with the Florida Panthers as a free agent. Since then, he's played 235 NHL games for Florida, Arizona, the New York Rangers, Colorado, Toronto, and Calgary. He's also skated in 318 AHL games for Springfield and Toronto. The Flames acquired Hunt from Toronto in March 2023 in exchange for Radim Zohorna. He initially signed a two-year contract with Calgary in July 2023, and this extension will keep him in the organization for another two seasons.
While Hunt may not be a guaranteed NHL regular, he has proven to be a reliable and versatile player who can step into the lineup when needed. He can play either wing and has earned the trust of coaches with his work ethic and willingness to play a variety of roles. His contributions extend beyond the scoresheet, as he brings a veteran presence and leadership to the locker room.
For Hunt, this contract represents an opportunity to continue his career with an organization he has grown comfortable with. He now lives in Calgary year-round, and his family is settled in the area. Moreover, becoming a father 15 weeks ago to his son Wells has shifted his focus and added a new dimension to his life. He expressed his excitement about the possibility of his son watching him play in the Scotiabank Saddledome and wants to serve as a good role model.
In the grand scheme of the Flames' offseason moves, the Hunt extension is a relatively minor transaction. However, it's a move that addresses a specific need for organizational depth and provides a safety net for potential injuries or unforeseen circumstances. It also rewards a player who has shown commitment and has performed well within the Flames' system. The team still has several free agent decisions to make this summer. While players like Anthony Mantha and Tyson Barrie are unlikely to return, the Flames may look to re-sign UFAs such as Justin Kirkland, Kevin Rooney, Joel Hanley, or Dan Vladar. They are also expected to bring back RFAs Kevin Bahl, Morgan Frost, and Connor Zary.
