Mon, Jan 21, 2019 at 11:45pm

HUNT HEADED TO MINNESOTA

The Minnesota Wild acquired defenseman Brad Hunt and a sixth-round draft pick in 2019 from the Vegas Golden Knights for a conditional fifth-round draft pick in 2019.

What does it give the Minnesota Wild
This trade was necessitated by the injury to Matt Dumba, who was having a great 2018-19 campaign before going down in mid-December. Hunt will help Minnesota's power play and likely play regularly during Dumba's absence. The 30-year-old Hunt is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, so this has the makings of a short-term trade for the Wild.

What does it give the Vegas Golden Knights
For the Golden Knights, shipping Hunt out lessens their numbers game on defense (Vegas was carrying 8 NHL D-men since they entered the NHL last season). The fifth rounder acquired will be the better of Minnesota's two picks in the round (either their own or the Capitals' fifth). Since they also traded a sixth rounder here, they will only move up a little bit.

Fantasy impact
Hunt is worth a speculative pickup in some league formats, especially those with deep blueline starting slots. Hunt should get some power-play time during his stint in Minnesota. However, his value will take a major hit once Dumba returns from injury.