Hunter's best days are clearly behind him as the veteran winger was sent back to the AHL after a slow start with the Kings (two goals and five assists in 38 games). He's an unrestricted free agent and doesn't seem likely to come back to the Kings.
Acquired in July for Brian Rolston, Hunter has recovered from knee surgery that limited him to just 17 games during the 2010-11 season and will be one of several forwards competing for third and fourth-line minutes. He gives the Devils a veteran presence on their checking line and has posted 10 or more goals in three of the past four seasons. Expect similar numbers with the Devils.
Hunter is another player that the Islanders seem to have in abundance -- a player who will score somewhere in the 15-goal range, a third liner, but someone who is forced to play on a first or second line because of the lack of offensive talent in the organization. Well, that may be ending as the Isles have some up-and-coming talent that could push Hunter further down the depth chart. Hunter has also been injury plagued his last two seasons which won't help any.
Hunter posted the lowest scoring totals (31 points) for his career last season, but he was limited to just 55 games due to various injuries. It's a shame too since he was on pace for his best season since his rookie campaign. He could return to being a 20-goal, 40-point player, but he needs to avoid injuries and the inconsistency that plagues him every season (he began the season with 24 points through the first 35 games but ended with seven points in his last 20 games to go along with a nine-game goal slump). Which line he ends up on will also affect his value, so pay attention in the preseason to see who he winds up flanking.
Hunter recorded 41 points in 2007-08, the most points he's recorded since his rookie year (2003-04). He has been way too inconsistent in his short career to consider him on draft day, but he's usually good for a hot streak or two at some point in the season if injuries befall your squad.
Hunter has shown flashes of scoring punch, but still can't seem to put it all together on a consistent basis. He has scored 20 or more goals in two of his three seasons, so the potential is there. Until he starts to show some consistency, his value remains as a player to pick up when he gets on a hot streak.
Sophomore slump bit Hunter, as his production dipped from his rookie season. The Islanders will need him to step up his game, so he's hopefully up for the challenge and try to respond with a 25 goal campaign.
As a rookie in 2003-04, Hunter led the team in goals (26) and tied for the team lead in points (51). He had such a great season that he was a finalist for the Calder Trophy for rookie of the year honors. We’re not expecting him to lead the team in those categories again (especially if Yashin stays healthy), but he should at least match his output from his inaugural year.
