Two players claimed off waivers just minutes apart

St. Ivany, 27, is a 6-foot-4 right-shot defenseman known for his reach and physical play. He arrived in Winnipeg this offseason in a trade that sent David Gustafsson to Pittsburgh, but he went pointless in four games and averaged about 13 and a half minutes. Over 57 career NHL games with the Penguins and Jets, he has nine assists.

The timing makes sense for Washington. Vincent Desharnais went on injured reserve with a four to six week absence, and the Capitals recalled Mitch Gibson.

St. Ivany gives them another option with NHL experience for a bottom-pairing role. He is also in the final year of his contract, which makes this a low-risk look.

Hunt, a 24-year-old, 6-foot-1 left-shot defenseman, was a regular for the Wild early this season, playing all 11 games without a point while recording 11 blocked shots in 14:08 per night.

Minnesota could have assigned him to the AHL had he cleared, but Nashville stepped in first. Hunt carries a one-year, $900,000 contract and has seven assists in 56 career NHL games.

He is the third new defenseman Nashville has added in under a month, following William Trudeau and Jayden Struble.

To make room, the Predators placed Jack Ahcan on waivers, and Hunt looks like a small upgrade on a player with less NHL experience.

Hunt also needs 24 more NHL games this season to retain his restricted free agent status. Otherwise, he would become a Group Six unrestricted free agent in July.

For Minnesota, the move opens a path for Matt Kiersted and David Spacek to earn more ice time. Meanwhile, Washington and Nashville both get a look at new blueliners without giving up any assets.

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