Predators Add Depth Amid Defensive Rotation Shifts
The Nashville Predators have introduced two new defensemen to their roster, adding depth to a blueline that has seen significant turnover early in the season. General Manager Chris MacFarland stated that the acquisitions of Jayden Struble and Daemon Hunt align with the team's current timeline during an appearance on 102.5 The Game.
MacFarland characterized Struble as a "good identity player" and described Hunt as an "improving NHL guy" with the opportunity to step up. The front office expressed hope that the additions would uncover valuable contributors in one or both players, addressing a roster situation that has featured 11 different defensemen across the first 13 games of the season.
Struble’s Rapid Integration and On-Ice Debut
Struble’s path to Nashville began with a sudden transaction. He sat out the Montreal Canadiens' Oct. 8 game against the Predators in Montreal before the Predators traded for him the following evening. Following the trade, Struble made a two-hour car ride to Ottawa for a morning skate on Oct. 10.
He made his debut with Nashville that same night. In his first game, Struble recorded six hits and two blocks. Over nine games with the team, he accumulated 32 hits and 10 blocks, scored his first career goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and won his first fight against the Colorado Avalanche.
Struble recalled the anxiety preceding his arrival, noting that he was "tossing and turning all night" and getting "no hours of sleep" due to nervousness before his first game. Despite the initial stress, he emphasized his commitment to physical play and team protection.
"I'm gonna do my best to protect my teammates... if something happens or if the team needs a spark, I will be there," Struble said.
Hunt’s Waiver Claim and Emotional Transition
Daemon Hunt’s arrival followed a different trajectory. The Minnesota Wild waived Hunt on Oct. 23 after three seasons with the club. The Predators claimed him off waivers the following day while he was in Seattle.
Hunt described feeling rejection from his previous organization and admitted to being "pretty nervous on the plane ride" to Nashville. He noted that there was "a lot of emotion, leaving my old team behind," as he transitioned to a new environment.
As of the report, Hunt had played three games for the Predators since his claim. Both Struble and Hunt recently spoke about their respective journeys to the Music City on 102.5 The Game, detailing the personal and professional steps that led to their current positions on the roster.