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Could Trent Hunter fit in well with Anaheim?

New York Rangers v New York Islanders

UNIONDALE, NY - OCTOBER 11: Trent Hunter #7 of the New York Islanders skates against the New York Rangers at the Nassau Coliseum on October 11, 2010 in Uniondale, New York. The Islanders won 6-4. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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When Trent Hunter was acquired by the New Jersey Devils in the deal that sent Brian Rolston to the New York Islanders, it initially seemed like the sort of move that not only saved the Devils money, but helped them depth-wise on the right wing. That thought didn’t last long as the Devils waived and then bought Hunter out of his contract making him an unrestricted free agent.

With Hunter on the market and a few teams out there still in need of help along the wing, he’s someone that could be seen as a good fit on the third or fourth line and one team that could be in serious need of help there is Anaheim. The Ducks have reigning MVP Corey Perry locked in on the first line, but after that things get a little scary. We won’t find out until next month if Teemu Selanne will be returning for another year, and while we love enforcer George Parros he’s not exactly the guy you want starting on your second or third line.

Things look a bit perilous depth-wise on the right side for the Ducks, so should they be taking a longer look at Trent Hunter? Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register takes a closer look at what Hunter could provide the Ducks.

When asked if the club has made any overtures to the veteran was looking to sign the longtime New York Islanders forward, Hunter’s agent, Brad Devine, said, “Trent has had a number of teams showing interest. At this time, he has not made a decision on where he is going to play next year.”

There is a lot to read between those two sentences. Devine doesn’t address specifically whether the Ducks are among those teams interested but his statement also didn’t rule that out. Also, the teams he speaks of could also include those overseas in addition to any from the NHL.


Hunter in his past few seasons has been a bit disappointing. He’s seen his point totals decline in each of the last four seasons and his second season in the league back in 2003-2004 still remains his career-best season as he scored 25 goals and had 51 points. Since he had 41 points four seasons ago, he’s been unable to stay healthy and his production has declined. Last season he tore his MCL and played in just 17 games.

With declining production and coming off a bad injury, the chances of landing a good contract and seeing a heft amount of playing time are thin. Of course, if Selanne retires in Anaheim and the Ducks are in search of instant NHL-experienced right winger, Hunter could fit the bill. Counting on him to be anything more than a checking line forward would be a mistake, especially when he’s got his own health issues and could wind up a liability.

At his size (6'3" 211 pounds), Hunter could fit in well with what the Ducks need on their right side. Once again though, Selanne’s decision will be the one that perhaps sets the wheels in motion for Ducks GM Bob Murray. That said, Murray would be better served by being proactive instead of reactive.