Hunter Haight has been part of the Minnesota Wild’s squad for seven games but hasn’t seen any ice time in those matches. While it’s beneficial for young players to travel with the team for experience, Haight, 21, showcased promising performance during training camp and preseason. He earned a spot on the team to start the season and played in the first two games before being sidelined.
After five games, Haight was benched and reassigned to the AHL for a match against the Iowa Wild. Though Minnesota brought him back for a road trip, an injury kept him out for the last two games. The Wild’s current fourth line, composed of Liam Ogren, Ben Jones, and Tyler Pitlick, has struggled significantly, with the trio combining for zero points. Ogren has a minus-3 rating in 15 games, Pitlick minus-2 in 17 games, and Jones minus-5 in 15 games.
Jones, 26, a seventh-round draft pick, played 26 games last season without scoring and lost three points after a goal was overturned due to goalie interference. Even after 15 games this season and 43 in his NHL career, Jones remains pointless and hasn’t been on the ice for any goals scored by his team. His expected goal share ranks second-worst on the Wild line, trailing only Ogren, with their line ranking near the bottom league-wide in expected goals per 60 minutes.
Statistically, this line is among the worst in the NHL in both offense generation and defensive admission, ranking last in Corsi percentage and near the bottom in Fenwick ratings. For clarity, Corsi measures all shot attempts including those blocked, while Fenwick excludes blocked shots but counts shots on goal, misses, and shots hitting the post.
Meanwhile, Minnesota’s 47th overall pick from the 2022 draft is still in the press box, and the 19th overall pick is playing alongside them, also without scoring in 32 games. Haight had a strong rookie season in the AHL with 20 goals and impressed in preseason but remains sidelined as the underperforming trio continues to play limited minutes, protected in their roles.
Given the fourth line’s struggles, there is a growing argument for giving Haight a chance to develop in real games. The Wild have little to lose in bringing him up, and though the line’s results haven’t improved, Haight could benefit from real ice time and learning opportunities.
All statistics referenced are from MoneyPuck.com.
Fan Take: This highlights the critical need for teams like the Wild to balance development with performance, giving promising young players meaningful opportunities rather than clinging to underperforming veterans. For hockey fans, it’s a reminder that nurturing talent can be the difference between stagnation and breakthrough success for a team’s future.
