Kings Sign Trent Hunter to One-Year Contract

The Los Angeles Kings announced on Friday that they have signed right wing Trent Hunter to a one-year contract worth $600,000. He had been attending the team's training camp on a tryout basis. Hunter was traded to the New Jersey Devils by the New York Islanders this past summer for Brian Rolston, but then had his contract bought out by the Devils. In 17 games last season with the Islanders, he had one goal and three assists for four points. He missed the last 61 games of the regular season with a torn left MCL. Not a bad depth signing for the Kings, as Hunter will bring some size, grit, and offensive depth to forward lines. Look for him to play a role on the checking lines this coming season.

NY Islanders Acquire Brian Rolston from Devils for Trent Hunter

The New York Islanders have announced that they have acquired left wing Brian Rolston from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for right wing Trent Hunter. Rolston has one year left on his contract, while Hunter has two years left on his current deal. In 65 games last season with the Devils, Rolston had 14 goals and 20 assists for 34 points. He missed 14 games last December with a sports hernia. Hunter appeared in 17 games last season with the Islanders, scoring one goal and three assists for four points. He missed the last 61 games of the season with a torn left MCL. This move is really all about salary for both teams. For the Islanders, they add some salary in Rolston to help them get closer to the salary floor. He will also bring some offensive depth and veteran experience to the team. Adding Hunter gives the Devils a cheaper contract than Rolston's and gives them some extra salary cap space, which they used to help re-sign Zach Parise. It looks as if the Devils have no intentions of keeping Hunter, as GM Lou Lamoriello placed him and Colin White on waivers on Monday and stated he would buy out both contracts if the players went unclaimed. Both players went unclaimed yesterday and could be bought out soon, which would make them unrestricted free agents. More than likely Hunter will be bought out, which will give the Devils a little more salary cap space to possibly make moves during the rest of the off-season and during the 2011-12 season.