Dryden Hunt has, on several occasions this season, been near the front of the line to congratulate a buddy and wish them all the best in the big leagues.
Now, the 29-year-old winger is getting another NHL opportunity of his own.
Hunt was recalled on Thursday morning by the Calgary Flames, although he was slated to be a healthy scratch for a clash against the Colorado Avalanche.
In a corresponding move, Clark Bishop was returned to the farm club.
“I’ve seen a lot of guys come up and do really well, and I think that’s a testament to what we’re doing down with the Wranglers,” Hunt said. “You want to be a good guy down there and help the young guys ultimately reach their goal, which is to be in the NHL. But at the same time, a lot of the guys that have come up have been guys that I’ve been playing with, my linemates or guys who we’ve shared success.
“It’s always great to see guys come up and have success, but you want to be here just like them. You know you’re going to get your chance eventually if you keep doing what you’re supposed to do down there. And when you come up, you just want to make the most of it.”
Hunt currently is tied for fourth in the AHL scoring race with a dozen goals and 40 points through 41 games, and his Wranglers teammates will tell you that he’s typically the tone-setter for their group.
While he’s a top-liner in the minors, including a highly productive stint earlier this season alongside Rory Kerins and the since-traded Jakob Pelletier, the key to this latest call-up is that he can fill a role as a reliable checker.
Hunt provides plenty of been-there and done-that, with 230 career appearances at the NHL level. That includes 28 outings with the Flames during the 2023-24 campaign.
“I think for the most part, and you saw it last year, I can play up and down the lineup,” said Hunt, a lefty who is comfortable on either wing. “You get in the lineup, you just try to bring that versatility.”