Trent Hunter

Trent Hunter (born July 5, 1980) is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger, who currently plays for the Los Angeles Kings. He has previously played with the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League. On September 14, 2011 it was announced that Hunter would sign a professional tryout contract with the Los Angeles Kings for the 2011-12 season. He signed a one-year contract with the Kings on September 30, 2011.

Playing career
Originally drafted in the sixth round (150th overall) of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Hunter was traded to the New York Islanders for a 4th round draft pick in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. He set franchise records for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League in all three scoring categories (30–35–65). He made his NHL debut in the 2002 Playoffs, registering 1 goal and 1 assist in 4 games.

Hunter broke into the NHL full-time with the Islanders in 2003–2004 and was tied for first on the team in goals (25, with Mariusz Czerkawski) and tied for total points (51, with Oleg Kvasha). He finished third in voting for the Calder Trophy in 2004, losing to Andrew Raycroft of the Boston Bruins.

During the 2004-05 lockout season, Hunter played in Nyköping in Swedish Allsvenskan, becoming an instant hit with the club's fans for his NHL skills and aggressive play. The most influential player in the squad, Hunter came close to leading the unfancied club to promotion, leading the side to a sensational 5-4 victory against multiple Swedish champions Brynäs away from home in the playoffs. In the end, a defeat in the return leg ended Nyköping's hopes.

Hunter has since become an important player for the Islanders. He is consistently among the league leaders in hits and is one of the Islanders best penalty killers.

On July 28, 2011, Hunter was traded to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for winger Brian Rolston. Traded to the Devils for salary cap purposes, on August 1, 2011, Hunter was placed on waivers by the Devils along with Colin White. He was then bought out from the final two years of his contract on August 2 after clearing.