Kunin Eager to Continue Versatility, Contribute to Success of Preds

Luke Kunin has only been a member of the Predators for a few hours, but he's already received a slew of communication from jealous contacts.
"I've gotten so many calls and texts saying how lucky I am to be going to such a great spot," Kunin said with a grin on Wednesday afternoon. "I love going there on the road, I love country music, so for me, it's going to be great. I'm very much looking forward to being there and living there and being part of the community."
The Preds are happy to have him, and Nashville General Manager David Poile pulled off the deal just as the second day of the 2020 NHL Draft began on Wednesday morning. Nashville acquired Kunin and the 101st overall pick in this year's draft from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for picks 37 and 70 in 2020, as well as forward Nick Bonino.

Kunin was on his way home from a workout when his phone rang, the first of many calls now fielded by the 22-year-old forward to discuss his new situation - and he couldn't be happier.
"I'm just very excited to be going to Nashville," Kunin said. "Such a great organization, great fanbase, great players, and I'm just very much looking forward to starting up there and doing whatever I can to help us have success."
"Us" used to be the Wild for Kunin, the team that selected him with the 15th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. The Chesterfield, Missouri, native skated for Minnesota over the past three seasons, setting career highs in games played (63), goals (15), assists (16) and points (31) in 2019-20.
The 6-foot, 192-pound forward has suited up for 131 career NHL games - all with Minnesota - since making his debut on Oct. 14, 2017, and has tallied 52 points (23g-29a). Kunin has also recorded 47 points (27g-20a) in 76 career AHL contests with the Iowa Wild, the team he made his professional debut with at the end of the 2016-17 season.
Kunin spent two seasons with the University of Wisconsin from 2015-17, captaining the Badgers as a sophomore in 2016-17. A product of USA Hockey's National Team Development Program, Kunin has won five gold medals while representing the U.S. in various tournaments.
After establishing himself as a full-time NHLer with the Wild, he's ready for the next chapter of his career to continue in Nashville.

"The way I play the game, I think I can play center, I think I can play wing, I think I can create space for skill guys and be around the net for second, third chances - any situation really," Kunin said. "Whatever they think that I need to fill, I'm willing to do that, but I definitely think I have the talent to play with some very skilled players like they have and help them have success offensively… I'm very much looking forward to the opportunity."
A versatile player, who is capable of contributing on both the power play and the penalty kill, Kunin says he's focused on getting quicker during the current offseason. Improved footspeed, Kunin believes, will help him round out a game he's worked hard to build throughout his time with the U.S. National Team Development Program, the University of Wisconsin and beyond.
Kunin has found all of his success as a Type-1 diabetic, an ailment he simply considers to be part of who he is. He's involved off the ice in speaking with children and parents who are also dealing with diabetes, and Kunin enjoys being a voice on the matter to show what is still possible.
"To have the platform that I do playing in the NHL with Type-1, just to be able to talk to kids or parents, whatever it may be, just to let them know you know you can still achieve the things you want to, that's very passionate for me," Kunin said. "It's a part of you, it's something you've got to do, and the way I've always looked at it, it could be a lot worse. You take it, you run with it, you do what you've got to do to feel good, stay healthy and do all the right things for your blood sugars and all that kind of stuff. [That will give you the] best chances for success on the ice, and that's kind of the way I've always looked at it."
That driven approach has aided Kunin in all aspects of his life, and it's helped him become a professional hockey player in the process. The Predators will now look for that drive in their lineup, and no matter the situation, Kunin seems to be someone to count on when it matters most.
"I really like the way they play," Kunin said of his new club. "They're structured and have a lot of skill offensively. All through the lineup, guys are making plays, playing fast and I think that's going to benefit me playing with some real skill guys that like to play fast, give-and-go hockey. I'm just really looking forward to it."