Hunter Drew

February 2023 – Hunter Drew was acquired by the Hawks from Anaheim in exchange for Josiah Slavin. Drew is a physical and versatile player. The move to Chicago should help Drew as the Hawks have less depth at defense than Anaheim. The Kingston native has very limited upside, but has some fantasy value with peripheral stats like hits, blocks and PIMS. He averages over a hit per game, and will eclipse the 100 penalty minutes mark for his second consecutive season. For leagues that have positional requirements he may offer some flexibility as he plays both defense and the wing as well. Peter Harling.

December 2020 – Playing in Europe on loan has given Drew new confidence. He has found his confidence with the puck again and if he can translate that back to North American ice, he could make his NHL debut this season. He won’t be getting any power play time in the show, but he will contribute to peripheral categories for your fantasy league and could chip in with some points every so often. Lucas Main

March 2020 – In his first pro season, he was signed to an AHL contract, but has now officially signed his ELC with the Ducks. He played 29 games for the San Diego Gulls with seven points and 33 PIMs. Anaheim has a number of young defensemen in the pipeline, but none bring the sandpaper type of play Drew does. He most likely doesn’t crack the roster next season, but he has played with a chip on his shoulder his whole career so don’t be surprised if he turns into an NHL defenseman one day.

January 2019 – Drew has eight goals and 30 points through 37 games this season. He scored the game-winning goal against the Remparts in his 35th game of the season, tying his career high in 29 less games. His offensive skills have grown immensely over the past two seasons while still playing the physical style (91 PIM in 37 GP) that got him noticed by Ducks scouts. Drew was a camp invite by Charlottetown in 2016 and a 6th round selection by Anaheim in 2018 so he has played with a chip on his shoulder throughout his career. He’ll turn pro next season and continue to develop, but he looks to be another late round gem picked out by the scouts in Anaheim. Lucas Main

September 2018 – Hunter Drew was not given much of an opportunity in his draft year, but last season for Charlottetown he made his coaches notice him and earned his ice time. Only having three points in 16-17 in 42 games, Drew scored eight goals and 39 points to go along with 159 PIM in 64 games during the 17-18 season. I see him as a Josh Manson 2.0, filling up your peripheral stats with a little offensive pop when given a chance. The Ducks have plenty of depth so he is still a couple years away, but he could turn into a reliable stay at home defenseman in the NHL. Lucas Main