THREE MYTHS ABOUT TRENT HUNTER
Arguably the least appreciated NYI mainstay
Trent Hunter may have been the least appreciated veteran Islander before last season. Then he went through hell year and the respect in some parts dropped even more. Time to shoot some holes into a trio of myths.
Hunter is injury-prone. The 6-3 right wing endured a nightmarish 2008-09. Just when he would return from one injury, he’d suffer another one. In all, he missed 27 games. Prior to last season, his game totals were 82, 77, 82 and 77.
“I don’t know what I did to tick anyone off,” he said the other day with a laugh, “but 2009 - or at least the first half of the calendar year - was just bad. It started off when I took a stick from a teammate in practice. Then there was the open door at the Garden. Just brutal, freak injuries. My hope is I put them all behind me last season.”
Hunter is over-paid. If you don’t like Hunter, even you would have to concede he is, at worst, an average player. The seventh-year Islander is entering the second season of a five-year deal that pays him $2 million annually. The average NHL salary is - you guessed it - around $2 million.
During the 2007-08 season, Hunter could have waited for unrestricted free agency. Maybe he would have received only three-year offers from his suitors. Look up what everyone else got that summer. He easily would have eclipsed $2 mill per. Instead, Hunter and the Islanders worked out a fair deal for both sides. He is a good bridge between the statesmen and the developing kids.
“My wife and I wanted to stay here,” said the Alberta native. “We love the combination of what the Island and New York bring. I think our daughter has seen every Broadway show for children. Long Island has been a perfect place to raise a family. The main thing I hoped for with the contract was longevity because I wanted to stay in this organization.”
Hunter cannot keep up. Okay, Hunter is not the fastest wing. When Scott Gordon took over the club and started talking about an all-out attack emphasizing skating, it looked like the five-year investment in Hunter may have been a premature miscalculation.
With Hunter ending the season on the injured list, it’s easy to forget Gordon was praising his forward weekly for his effectiveness on the forecheck. While Hunter isn’t going to push for the Art Ross Trophy, he had 14 goals in 55 games last season. On last year’s squad, those numbers are Ovechkinian. With good health, Hunter could match his career-high of 25 set during his Calder-nominated rookie season.
As for the skating, he deals with the lack of a hockey god-given stride, and with the reputation.
“My first two steps are not what I wish they could be, believe me,” Hunter said. “So, like with any shortcoming, you work hard to make up for it. I think my ability to read a play is strong. I was taught early on about anticipation. I’ve developed it as a skill. The lack of blazing first steps has not stopped me from being an NHL player.
“The slowness thing is a label I understand will stick with me for my entire career. That’s what happens in pro sports. I get that. It isn’t exactly what I’d like to be known for. Hopefully, people see me as a good, honest hockey player.”
All around the NHL, they do.
Comments.
77 Responses to “THREE MYTHS ABOUT TRENT HUNTER
Arguably the least appreciated NYI mainstay”
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Agreed on your assessment of Hunter. He is strong on the puck and in the corners. Very capable of a 25 goal season which would be a bargain at his price. While not the most punishing hitter, he is always among the league hit leaders when healthy.
All about Trent Hunter, when my wife wanted to name our first child Hunter, I didn’t hesitate. Of course we both liked it for different reasons. How can you not like a work horse who can lead the league in hits, AND pot 20+??????
This is a tough one. I’ve been a Hunter fan for a LONG TIME, until… Yes, until that brutal Turtle. I’m not looking for a brawler, I just wanted to see him stand up for himself. Especially against that damn Hatcher.
I’ll be rooting for you Trent, just don’t pull any more of that s…
I don’t know where the myths about Hunter came from b/cI haven’t came across them from fellow NYI fans.
Regardless, I appreciate Hunter’s candidness about his speed deficiency, as well as his dedication on the ice. He’s one of those kind of players that has more value to his team than to the league.
I really like Hunter as a person and he’s a good player but I feel he’s more talented then the results he’s produced. I’d like to see him produce a higher level of results.
I think Gordon’s system may have cut down on his hitting last season (or it could be him watching his injuries), it just wasn’t what it was in previous years.
Happy overall to have Trent on the Isles but if I could turn him into a big mean talented fwd or d-man I’d do that trade in a heart beat. Isles are soft throughout the organization and it is time to stop the BS (SNOW)and add the players with size, talent, and nastiness we’ve been promised.
It would be easy to move any or all of Geravis, Martinek, Kohn, Katic, Meyer, MacDonald and not miss them. There are still plenty of small puck movers left and only Harmonic and Neimi on the bigger side. Campolli was a better player then all the guys listed above (except Harmonic and Neimi) and no one misses him on or off ice.
Trent Hunter will play a big part in the success (hopefully) of this club this year, and in all likelihood for the next few years. Also agree that he is a good bridge between the older vets and the youngins. Definitely a very reasonable contract for someone who is an effective player, who also is capable of more.
A good 2 way player despite his skating deficiencies. A potential captain material in the future. A little known fact about him is that Anaheim Mighty Ducks who drafted him 150th overall in 1998 traded him to Islanders for a 4th round pick in 2000 (Joans Ronqvist) who lasted only 38 games in the NHL.
derek (2): Do you not remember which player skated right in and stuck up for Frans after that dirty hit this past season? It was one of the leaders of the team in hits? Of course not- instead we are forever going to go on one night years ago where he didnt want to fight.
CB- I love this Hunter blog entry but IMO the biggest misconception about Trent Hunter is exemplified by comments like this.
He needs to do more. He appears to limit himself and takes games off. He is clearly on the downside of his career. Captain material….absolutely not.
you clearly didn’t read the article…
he’ll be good for near 20 goals, a ton of hits, some veteran leadership, and intensity…at 2 mil per he’s almost a steal for what he’ll continue to bring
He is my vote for Captain. He’s been here the longest and he will be hear for another 3 years.
I like Hunter because he’s a big body out there but if he’s going to put 25 in again, he needs to take a page from Mark Parrish and park himself in front of the net, let the pucks deflect off him and in.
If he can net us 25 playing on the 3rd line, we will be a much much better team than last year.
I love Trent Hunter. While the guy might not be the fastest skater, the guy gives 110% every night. Lets hope for him to have a healthy year because Trent can net 20-25 goals for us.
Sorry-disagree Hunter is not captain material.
But Im a fan of Hunter. CB’s right this guy is a bargain. Im happy to have Hunter as an Islander. He can be slow but man the guy can rip it. Hunter has one hell of a shot.
Frans and him played well together. There was a point last year when Gordon put Bergy on their line….and I thought they all played well together. I think that would be a pretty good 3rd line for any team to face.
Note on the game last night-Bailey looked confident.
While I will never love Trent Hunter the player because of his lack of speed, i mean we are talking glacier like slowness especially in this system, I do respect the committment he made to the team and the effort he gives. No way should he be a captain. A solid 3rd liner on a good team.
I got a little push back on this thread a few months back when I questioned Trent being called a crafty or skilled forward and Comeau being labeded a “grinder”. I felt it was the other way around. But I meant no disrepect to Hunter. I felt his skating style made him more of a grinder. Having said that, I think that Hunter has incredible talent and like he says, his hockey instincts more than make up for lact of great speed. He is capable of scoring 25 goals. He’s a keeper.
I must say Hunter is one of my favorite players on the Islanders. He works his tail off and is constantly making the hustle plays. Granted, he will never be a first liner he is a solid player to have for this team. He is always at the top of the league in hits which has led my friends and I to nickname him Smash whenever we watch the game. Solid player certainly not C material but I would not argue with him getting an A seems to be a leader, however I guess none of us know what goes on in the lockerroom
Hunter is about the softest power forward in the NHL. I appreciate the loyalty; but, I presume his marketability is near nihl. His “hits” are bumps.Only playing next to Tambellini could make him look powerful.
Bumps? Are you kidding. All he does is finish his checks hard. Solid player. My issue with hunter is the way this team is built, he needs to provide more toughness. It’s obvious he will never fight. I don’t need him to be a goon, just be ready to drop em when you need to.
I never understood the Hunter hate. He hustles, gives it his all throwing himself in front of any shot, wins just about every battle along the boards, and throws out a damn good share of hits, and isn’t an A-hole. Whats not to like?
One of my favorite Isles.
I agree with #11. Trent Hunter should be the captain. He is the bridge player between young and old. He has a great work ethic. He’s been here the longest and will be here for another 4 seasons. He’s among the league leaders in hits and can when healthy score 20-25 goals. He’s not the fastest skater, but last I checked, speed wasn’t a requirement to be an NHL captain. At the very least he should get an “A”.
I don’t think I’ve spoken to any NYI fan who doesn’t like Hunter.. Met him a few times and he’s just a wonderful guy. He’s a very effective player, and for anyone who thinks he takes games off… Maybe you’re watching something other than an Islander game.. Because the guy always gives it his all.
I think part of the problem that Islanders fans having regarding Hunter is that he started off so great as a call-up in the series against Toronto. Then he had a great rookie season. I just think we wanted a little more. We wanted 35 goals not 25. We see his size, and want youtube hits, not solid play around the boards. We forget how good an average NHL player actually is, and we just want more.
When you look at what he brings to the table and what his salary is, you can’t go wrong. CB, your assessment is right on.
If he ends up scoring 25 goals this year, not bad for a guy that is getting $2million.
No disrespect to Hunter, who works hard and has always seemed like a good guy.
But IMHO, he just doesn’t have a spot on a credible Cup contender. Go back and look at some late 1970s Islanders. He would’ve been slow then. Gary Howatt was a better skater.
He’s got decent, but not great hands. He hits but doesn’t pulverize like a Steve Webb. If he’s playing lots of minutes but not scoring much for your team, then you’re probably not a very good team.
I’m going to avoid reading above because I’m scared people actually are opposed to trent hunter. His value is truly undeniable. The effort is always there, he’s just not flashy. Maybe people expect too much from him, but I believe he’s excellent for what he’s paid and what’s expected of him. Totally classy and plays with actual heart.
Lol at “ovechkinian” by the way! Hoping for a healthy season for trent!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I couldn’t understand why so many people turned on hunter last year, the same people who gushed about hunter being a steal when he signed for 2 mil per. The guy can play in every situation, is the best in the league at actually finishing checks, and is good for 20 goals when healthy. In my opinion he had the best hands on the team last year. He is always knocking down pucks out of the air and can really stick handle through traffic. He is great in the corners. He has a great head fake move that always gets him seperation from the defender in the corners.
His detractors will say he can’t skate. Well, yes, he is a slow skater. Who the hell cares? Why do we need a burner if he does all the little things right?
Great post, CB. Trent has long been one of my faves, and it’d be nice to see him step it up and teach the young kids a thing or two this season. One of the things I’m most looking forward to.
Definately deserves at least an ” A ” on his jersey.
Good Luck this season, Trent!
Great stuff as always, CB.
Hunter is a heart & soul player who leaves it all out on the ice. I always want him on the ice when the game is on the line. I’ll be at opening night proudly wearing my Hunter jersey.
I am all for Trent Hunter being this team captain. He has the leadership skills and work ethic for that honor. You don’t have to be the teams best play in order to wear the C.
If this team had a couple more players exactly like Trent, we won`t be the laughing stock of the league. The only true checking forward we have had in 5 years. To the critics he`s worthy every penny he earns. Beside Pat Flatley, maybe top 3 corner men we`ve ever had.
I think people read too much into Gordon’s use of the term “overspeed” to depend on his system. “Speed” doesn’t necessarily refer to foot quickness, but on overall speed of play. Quick decisions, quick passing, quick shots. Hunter never looked out of place in the system last season, despite his lack of resemblance to the Roadrunner, because he’s got the head for thinking the game three steps ahead of most other players.
Plus, the man can steal a sandwich on the blade of his stick, start to drop it, then smack it from mid-air into his lap. Captain material, right there.
I wasn’t even aware of these “myths” about Trent Hunter. Obviously, we all know he’s no Pavel Bure in the speed department, but that’s probably the only thing I’ve heard fellow Islander fans complain about. I don’t understand how people can have a problem with a guy that is great along the boards, hits like crazy (he doesn’t need to send people through the boards to be effective), and actually cares about the team and how is effort affects the New York Islanders. People would complain about the lack of effort and caring from players like Yashin, Kvasha, and Kozlov, but here we have a guy who gives you his all day in and day out - so - nothing much to complain about. He makes up for lack of speed in other ways, we all know this.
#3 Derek, that’s too funny. I myself was embarrassed by that move. I love Hunter but he went down a couple of notches after the turtle move…..
Trent has been one of my favorites for quite some time. Unfortunately he never developed the scoring touch that he seemed to have early in his career, but he’s still a real solid player. I’m so happy he’s here for the next 4 years. Before Streit came on, he was actually my pick to succeed Guerin as Captain.
I think Trent Hunter is great. I love the way he hits…hustles..is a big body out there…plays clean and keeps his mouth shut.
thanks for the nice article on Hunter CB, i love this guy, and i’m stoked that we still have him for at least 4 more years. He’s my pick for captaincy and even if he doesnt get it this year, he will eventually have it or at least should imo
I never got the hunter hating either. Find me another big body making 2mm a year and can score 25. Did everyone forget he was on pace to score 25 last year before getting hurt? Was it his fault the door was open in the garden. Hunter might not be fastest skater but he is probably one of the best all around players out there. When hunter nets 25 this year all you hunter haters will be his biggest fans. Let’s go isles. He was my pick for captain last year.
I never understood the Hunter bashing either. You don’t have to be a speed demon to be effective. Hunter mucks it up with anyone, and provides a reasonable goal output as well. Give me old time hockey. Give me more Trent Hunters.
When healthy, he is a solid if unspectacular player. He is good along the boards and not afraid to throw his body around. I think with the right playmaking center he could possibly be a 30-goal scorer. Don’t mistake his soft-spokeness for a lack of intensity.
Any serious Isles fan, who actually understands the sport of hockey and the NHL, understands exactly what kind of pro Hunter is.
And i’m pretty sure in his limited games he still lead the team in hits, a pretty essential aspect of Gordon’s system
way to go CB. helleva piece about a guy who could have had a role and fit in with any islander team in ANY era. a tough, responsible, ‘al arbour’ type player who gives it all every shift. i’ve always thought and still do that if he’s around long enough to see some big time playoff games hunter will come up big with a few key goals.
Trent gives you 110% every night on every shift. Can you say the same about the rest of the players? He is a good player at a great price for the club.
Color me “unimpressed!”
All this talk about Trent Hunter hitting 20 goals, something he’s done only twice in his career, is laughable. For the amount of ice time he gets, his goal, assist and point totals are abysmal! He’s a big guy who never drops his gloves; he throws a few hits, and then disappears for games at a time. Yet, a lot of Islanders’ fans love him. I almost wish that these players weren’t so accessible to the fans. This way, they’d be graded by what they’ve actually accomplished, as opposed to be graded on how likable they come across.
Good read. I go back and forth on Hunter. Sometimes he looks like a great piece to the puzzle - he hits, puts in some goals, is responsible defensively, etc. Other times he’s kind of frustrating - not standing in front of the net the way he used to (and the way the Isles need him to, imo), missing the net all the time…even in shootouts, etc.
But I’m not too concerned about Hunter. In fact, of all the concerns I have about the Isles for this coming season, Trent Hunter never crossed my mind.
I agree that Hunter deserves much credit for playing hard and for his desire to be a part of this team, but what is not a myth is that he is consistently inconsistent. There are times he seems really keyed in and other times where you barely know he is out there. If he could keep his game at that higher level, I think he’d be a key part of this team’s turnaround and get more respect from the fans.
I love watching Trent play. He hits hard and scores some nice goals. Plus he has a porn star sounding name.
HUNTER had 14 goals in 55 games last year. before getting hurt. Only okposo has slight edge to that on our team on G per game last year.
last time i check gettin 20+ goals in 2 of 5 season is not that bad considering how bad the team has been. If he was healthy last year he would of had 20 again.
Let me tell you i would rather have 6 isles with 20+ goals than tavares with 30goals and rest of them under twenty. We would win alot more this year games too.
And for 2MM, go find me a better all round hockey player for next 4 seasons.
here are a few comps that for money hunter is way better than. Raffi Torres (2.75MM), Jay Pandolfo (2.5MM), Samsonov (2.5MM), Todd White (2.45MM). and the list goes on.
Just wow…..Hunter is a fine player, just because he doesnt drop his gloves is irrelevent. Hes not a top line forward, but There are a lot of teams that wouldnt mind having him on their team Im sure. Many Islander fans love him for a reason. Prolific body chacker, decent hands around the net. I predict a fine season for Hunter this year.
No doubt about it 2 mil for a player of Trent’s caliber is a great deal for the Isles and I’m sure he’s happy about it too. Hunter’s a guy I really want to root hard for every year, so that slow start last year really hurt. But, hopefully if he can stay healthy and avoid one of those long 15 game scoreless droughts I think he can have a big year. The Isles are gonna be a much more potent team this year, healthy that is, with these young legs and creative minds.
Apparently there was a team dumb enough to sign former Isle Mike Comrie. Hope they enjoy the toe-dragging queen that only gives effort when he has the puck or is within one of his enormous stick lengths of it. By the way, that team was Edmonton whose fans if I am not mistaken showered him with boos the last 5 years after he left for more money. 1.25 mil, I still think that too high for him. At least Edmonton can enjoy Hilary Duff
When Gordon was hired half of the roster was DISPLACED. Hunter responded well to it though. He is a solid 3rd line guy who can fill a second line spot. The Islanders have asked him, at times, to be a first line forward, and that just isn’t where he belongs.
His defensive ability made him a strong player in his role, and even an offensive PLUS when used properly (see 2003 under Stirling).
This is what you get when you have a one dimensional coach who can’t work with what he is given, but rather tries to make pie out of cake batter.
If Hunter used his thighs more when he checked this fan base would be in love with him. He’s still a slightly ABOVE average two way player and definitely worth what they gave him. THat will be evident as soon as they get an NHL coach.
Sorry… until he proves he can win in the NHL I’ll just keep hoping I am wrong.
Only five comments in for Strummer to take the topic at hand - doesn’t matter what it is - and turn it into his usual rant at Snow regarding how “soft” he thinks the team is. Impressive.
Good myth dispelling. Hunter’s contract is not a hindrance to the Isles, but I’d like to see more production from him this season. I understand he was injured a lot last season. I didn’t realize he previously had long seasons.
Hunter
Neilsen
D. Kohn
and our 2 third rounders
for
Phil Kessel
Sign Peca (one of my favorites of all time) as third line center…trade him at deadline….for a third rounder.
You know what they say about opinions, “they are like A$$holes, every body has one, and they usually stink”. We should be lucky enough to have 23 trent hunter sized efforts every night, then my friends, we would be feared in this league, not the current joke of an NHL franchise that we are! I remember his debut, in the playoff game against Toronto, when Bates netted that penalty shot. People at the Coliseum were shouting “GO NEWGUY”. That was prior to him emerging as a mainstay.
(57) Big Dally Mac…Boston’s response:
No
No
Heavens no
no and no
CB
“Any serious Isles fan, who actually understands the sport of hockey and the NHL, understands exactly what kind of pro Hunter is.”
And what is that? A turtling box? Or one of the best hitters in the game? Whoever said his hits were bumps is dead on. It always disgusted me to see him amongst the NHL hits leaders. Maybe some of you “serious NHL fans who understand the sport” should watch some of those other guys… Tootoo, Clutterbuck, etc., and tell me Hunter is a top hitter. He’s more like Mark Lawrence. I can’t believe this guy’s signed for five years.
I love trent. But he is noticeably slow when he is out there. What I have noticed is the amazing improvement in tim jackman’s skating between 07-08 and 08-09. His stride and food speed improved vastly. If he can do it Trent can. So will someone give Trent that skating coaches phone number please?!?
Any Kessel trade would be more like
Tambelinni, Comeau, Nielsen # 1
for Kessel
There are some interesting comments about Hunter. Some things that need to be said, and are MY opinion.
Hunter provides 2 things, heart and good hands. The problem is he doesn’t have the full skill set to turn those 2 things into a consistant all around player in this league. Yes, he’s a great 3rd liner for the Isles. Yes, he provides some leadership. Unfortunately that’s for a last place team. If Hunter was an UFA this year, he probably would be looking for a team in Europe to play for. Again, just my opinion. In any event, I will continue to root for him and hope that he proves me 100% wrong.
Big Dally Mac, I think Boston would be insulted by that proposal. To get Kessel, a 1st round pick and a decent prospect has to go the other way. And that just might be for starters.
I think Hunter is a solid player and although he is up in the league lead in hits every year, I think he needs to step up his physical play a couple notches. As a veteran forward, he needs to hold opponents more accountable for bullying the young forwards much like Doug Weight did at the end of last season when he dropped the gloves a few times.
I have been a fan of Trent since he joined the team. I think you nailed it on the head with you assesment, Chris. And I would also say Trent would make a good captain choice. I used to see Trent and his family for many years in my previous job in retail and he is a class act all around. I hope he has a great season.
I think Hunter would fit well on a line with Tavares. By accident down the road he’d score 25 goals.
imagine that…if you add 25 by accident to the 20 he can score relying on his own skill…I dunno if he is a 45 goal scorer, but if you say so jcap
i think the disappointing thing about hunter is he’s never been on a good team. we all know he’s not a superstar to build a team around, but on an actual playoff contender he’d be a smart and solid guy at both ends who defends against the opposing top scorers, provides grit, leadership and some clutch goals. no fault of his own, we’ve never gotten to see that.
Trent is an excellent down low player especially on the power play. He is the opposite of a Tambellini. Often you don’t show up as a statistic on the PP because you don’t touch the puck when you screen those shots from the point that find the back of the net. Add grit, size, and the respect of his opponents and you have an excellent team player. Never mind trading him, package some of our 3rd and 4th liners and trade for more guys like him!
#66 hilarious. Kinda of reminds me of what happened with Cheechoo when Joe Thornton got traded to San Jose. All cheechoo had to do was have his stick down on the ice and Thornton would score goals off of cheechoo’s stick and in. Look at cheechoo now. Guy’s terrible. He literally had an “accidental” 50 goal season lol.
The man does his job better than most, brings experience and maturity, bleeds Islanders blue. Yeah, what a bum.
Side anecdote: Does anyone recall an incident a few years ago (I think against the Rags) where, during a stoppage in play, Hunts was mocking an opposing player, who was losing his balance, by flailing his arms. Hysterical.
Sorry boys…bored at work. I’d better re-think that one.
I like how so many many players speak of loving Long Island.
“It’s the best place”, “My family and I are so happy on the Island” etc. but the minute they retire (after playing on other teams usually) that wonderful land where everything is so nice and so perfect to raise a family is way back in the rear view mirror never to be seen again.
I’m a Long Islander and I too enjoy it (for the most part aside from the insane taxes) but never do these ex-players ever say to their wives and kids “Hey, remember how great Long Island was? Let’s move back”.
Basically, the glowing accounts from hockey players about L.I. never amount to anything.
If they all love it so much, how come they don’t stick around?
(yeah I know a small handful have but it’s really not many at all).
I don’t care if he’s slow, “overpaid” or “injury prone”, I love the guy and glad he’s still on the team. He plays the game the right way and treats the fans well. The problem is when fans say “Hunter should score 30 goals a year” and then he doesn’t, that’s when people get miffed. Hunter is not a scorer and never will be (despite his production during his rookie season). If you don’t set the bar too high for him with regards to point production expectations, fans will appreciate the other things he brings to the table, such as hustle and physical play.
Yeah, I wasn’t aware of these “myths,” either. Not sure they really exist. I think Hunter is well appreciated by most Islander fans. I recall Charles Wang calling him a “fan favorite,” a true assessment.
And, even so, I do agree that he deserves more credit than he gets for quietly being a heart & soul Islander and consistent contributor to whatever success the team has been able to scrounge together during these Dark Ages.
He would be my pick for Captain.
Well i dont like his game and i know quite a few people who think the same way. I wont even say his hits are bumps,they just arent important game changing hits.How many of his league leading hits come against the dman behind the play who just made the pass out of the zone???.They’re are tons of them.They dont accomplish anything.The puck is already gone.This guy gets MAJOR power play time in front of the net.14 goals is just sad.He should get 10 of streits rebounds in by accident.Someone is going to have to show me proof he has hands.He hits two places with the puck.The glass behind the net,and the logo on the goalies chest.He is a 3rd liner at best.Claude Lapointe never got as much praise as this guy and he was a better player!!.