Dryden Hunt likely a numbers casualty for Rangers

As the roster picture gets clearer, one thing is almost set in stone: Dryden Hunt will likely get cut by the Rangers before Tuesday’s home opener. Hunt has been skating with the extras for a few practices now, and simply hasn’t been looked at for a spot on the fourth line.

This is certainly an unfortunate series of events for Hunt, as Jimmy Vesey seems to have played his way onto the roster following a relatively strong showing in camp and in the preseason. Hunt, who was unfairly criticized last year for being relatively ineffective on the second line, is still a very effective defensive and fourth line player. He’s the kind of guy you’d prefer on the fourth line over someone like Ryan Reaves, who does a lot in the locker room but should be a part time player.

Hunt will need to clear waivers, and given his cheap salary and good defensive metrics, may not clear waivers at all. It’s a risk the Rangers appear willing to take with Vesey, Vitali Kravtsov, Barclay Goodrow, Sammy Blais, Ryan Reaves, and Ryan Carpenter expected to fill out the remaining questions on the roster.

Hunt is an effective player in the right role. It is unfortunate that he was miscast last season as a top six forward. If he is waived and goes unclaimed, then he may be the first recall due to injury.