Hunter Haight Has Been Everything the Wild Could Have Hoped For

Hunter Haight has done everything the Minnesota Wild could have hoped for and more.

In his first season of professional hockey with the Iowa Wild, Haight, 20, was immediately productive. With 34 points, 20 goals in 67 games, Haight consistently delivered an offensive punch for the Wild. A clear standout amongst the young players on the team, Haight finished fifth on Iowa in points and second in goals, only two off the leader, Travis Boyd, who had 22 goals at 53 points.

Two of the top three scorers from last season won’t be in Iowa next year, and Liam Ohgren might make the NHL roster out of camp. That will put Haight in a prime position to be the team’s go-to offensive weapon this upcoming season.

Haight has consistently improved throughout his career. He played in the OHL for the Barrie Colts and the Saginaw Spirit, where he improved his point totals every year. Now, entering his second AHL season, he should build on the foundation he set last season.

The Wild drafted Haight 47th overall in 2022 with a pick they got in the Jack McBain trade. He’s only  5’11, 181 lbs., but he makes up for it with skill, speed, and a fiery attitude. 

Haight utilized these skills and more to develop into a significant impact player by the end of Iowa’s season. With Ohgren in the NHL and other guys like Travis Boyd and Ben Jones spending considerable time in St. Paul, Haight was the guy leading the offense. He should have some help with players like Riley Heidt and Tyler Pitlick joining AHL veterans Caeden Bankier and Ben Jones on the roster.

Currently, Haight is training diligently for the upcoming season. 

“It was awesome,” he said when asked about his first AHL season. “Obviously, a big learning experience. Getting that jump to play against grown men. Great group of guys there in Iowa. I thought I developed really well. Overall, my 200-foot game, something I’m always working on, and I think that’s gotten better.”

What is Haight’s path forward? He probably won’t and shouldn’t see the NHL next season. At his peak, Haight has the potential to be a middle-six winger who could eventually chip in double-digit, maybe even 20 goals in the right situation. 

Haight is still developing. Still, with his hands, his shot, his skating, and his work ethic, he’s well-positioned to be an impact player for the Wild as soon as the start of the 2026-27 season.

All stats and data via HockeyDB and Elite Prospects unless otherwise noted.