Hunter Drew Bio
Hunter Drew is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger who plays for the Bridgeport Islanders of the American Hockey League (AHL). Born on October 21, 1998, in Kingston, Ontario, Drew was selected by the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League (NHL) in the sixth round, 178th overall, at the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 214 pounds, he has built a steady professional career through developmental leagues in North America and Europe.
Early Life and Background
Hunter Drew was born and raised in Kingston, Ontario, a city with a strong tradition of producing competitive hockey talent. Growing up in this Ontario environment provided him with early exposure to the sport and shaped his development as a young athlete. Kingston’s hockey community offered the structure and competition needed to help Drew progress through minor hockey ranks before reaching the major junior level.
Before turning professional, Drew committed to the major junior pathway in the Canadian Hockey League system. His physical build and skill set allowed him to earn opportunities at the top junior level in eastern Canada, where he would spend formative seasons developing his game against high-level competition.
Path to Professional Hockey
Drew’s path to the professional ranks began when he joined the Charlottetown Islanders of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) in 2016. He played three seasons with Charlottetown from 2016 to 2019, scoring 92 points across 167 regular season games. During his final junior season in 2018–19, he posted 50 points in 61 games, showcasing the offensive upside that caught the attention of NHL scouts.
His strong finish in the QMJHL led to his selection by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. Following the conclusion of his junior career, Drew signed a one-year contract with the Ducks’ AHL affiliate, the San Diego Gulls, on August 14, 2019, officially beginning his professional career.
Hunter Drew Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
In his first professional season in 2019–20, Drew split his time between the San Diego Gulls of the AHL and the Tulsa Oilers of the ECHL. He recorded two goals and seven points in 29 regular season games with the Gulls before the season was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 31, 2020, he was signed to a three-year entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks.
With the pandemic delaying the start of the 2020–21 season, Drew accepted a loan to HC ’05 Banská Bystrica in Slovakia on September 14, 2020, to continue his development in Europe. He produced 9 goals and 16 points in 20 games before returning to North America for the Ducks’ training camp and rejoining the San Diego Gulls for the shortened season.
San Diego Gulls and NHL Debut (2021–2023)
Entering the 2021–22 season, Drew transitioned from defense to right wing on a full-time basis. The positional change brought immediate offensive results, as he finished second among team forwards in scoring with 17 goals and 38 points in 64 regular season games. His strong play earned him a recall to the Anaheim Ducks late in the season.
Drew made his NHL debut against the San Jose Sharks and recorded his first NHL fight against Jonah Gadjovich in a 5-2 victory on April 26, 2022. He went scoreless over his two remaining regular season appearances with Anaheim. The following season, he played exclusively with the Gulls and managed 11 points in 44 games before being traded.
Rockford IceHogs and Tucson Roadrunners (2023–2025)
On February 23, 2023, Drew was traded by the Ducks to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Josiah Slavin. He finished the season with the Blackhawks’ AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, going scoreless in 16 appearances. As a free agent following the 2022–23 campaign, he signed a one-year contract with the Tucson Roadrunners on July 18, 2023.
Drew spent two seasons with the Roadrunners, the AHL affiliate of the Utah Mammoth, continuing to develop his role as a physical, depth forward. He then signed a one-year deal with the Bridgeport Islanders on July 1, 2025, marking the next chapter of his professional journey.
Driving Style and Strengths
Drew is recognized for his physical presence, energy on the forecheck, and willingness to engage physically, including dropping the gloves when needed. His transition from defense to right wing added an offensive element to his game, allowing him to use his skating and shot to contribute as a depth scorer. His AHL career has been built on versatility, toughness, and the ability to adapt to different team systems.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Drew’s career came on April 26, 2022, when he made his NHL debut with the Anaheim Ducks and recorded his first NHL fight against Jonah Gadjovich in a victory over the San Jose Sharks. His draft selection by the Ducks in 2018 and his development across multiple leagues, including a unique stint in Slovakia, also stand as key milestones in his professional journey.
Hunter Drew Career Wins
Hunter Drew’s professional resume reflects a steady progression through multiple leagues rather than a collection of championship titles. His career has been shaped by perseverance, development, and the ability to contribute in varying roles across organizations.
AHL and Junior Highlights
During his time with the Charlottetown Islanders in the QMJHL, Drew was a consistent offensive contributor, capped by a 50-point final junior season. In the AHL, his most productive offensive campaign came in 2021–22 with the San Diego Gulls, when he recorded 17 goals and 38 points in 64 games. He also posted 9 goals in 20 games during his loan to HC ’05 Banská Bystrica in Slovakia.
Other Wins and Performances
Drew’s NHL debut fight and victory against the San Jose Sharks on April 26, 2022, remains a personal milestone that marked his arrival at the top level. His career has also included steady contributions with the Tucson Roadrunners and his recent move to the Bridgeport Islanders.
Hunter Drew Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information regarding Hunter Drew’s family background remains limited. No details about his parents or hockey lineage have been confirmed in verified sources.
Personal Life
Hunter Drew is a Canadian national born and raised in Kingston, Ontario. Information about his marital status, spouse, or children is not publicly verified at this time.
2025 Season Performance
Hunter Drew entered the 2025 season with a fresh start after signing a one-year contract with the Bridgeport Islanders on July 1, 2025. His move to the Islanders organization marks a continuation of his journeyman AHL career and offers him the opportunity to contribute in a depth scoring and energy role.
Following two seasons with the Tucson Roadrunners, Drew brings veteran AHL experience to a Bridgeport roster looking to build momentum in the competitive Atlantic Division. His physical style and offensive flashes developed during his time in San Diego remain assets he can deploy in 2025–26.
Heading into the new season, Drew’s outlook centers on consistency, penalty killing, and providing secondary scoring for the Islanders. With his NHL experience and AHL track record, he is positioned to be a steady contributor for Bridgeport throughout the 2025–26 campaign.