Vegas Golden Knights First Half Report Cards: Defensemen

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 23: Nate Schmidt #88 of the Vegas Golden Knights warms up prior to the game against the Washington Capitals at T-Mobile Arena on December 23, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/NHLI via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 23: Nate Schmidt #88 of the Vegas Golden Knights warms up prior to the game against the Washington Capitals at T-Mobile Arena on December 23, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/NHLI via Getty Images)
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Brad Hunt

ANAHEIM, CA – NOVEMBER 22: Brad Hunt #77 of the Vegas Golden Knights looks on during the third period of a game against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on November 22, 2017, in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA – NOVEMBER 22: Brad Hunt #77 of the Vegas Golden Knights looks on during the third period of a game against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on November 22, 2017, in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Not many people knew who Brad Hunt was coming into the year. He’s seen minimal NHL time with the Edmonton Oilers, St. Louis Blues and Nashville Predators. The 29-year old mostly seen work from the AHL but not this year.

Hunt was one of the defensemen who impressed Gallant in the preseason with his ability to move the puck. He played in more games than anyone ever expected with 18 games played and averaging a modest 17:30 of ice time. The Maple Ridge, British Columbia native already set a new career high in points with seven, but he’s also goalless on the year.

Related Story: Most Surprising Vegas Golden Knights Defenseman: Brad Hunt

Hunt is the perfect seventh defensemen on this hockey club despite his small stature at 5’9. It’s hard for him to crack the lineup due to the number of players that’s ahead of him. He deserves decent grade because of the energy he brings when he is in the lineup.

Grade: C