Isles sign RW Hunter to five-year deal

Feb 23, 2008 - 12:57 AM UNIONDALE, New York (Ticker) -- It doesn't come close to the one signed by Rick DiPietro, but Trent Hunter's new contract will keep him with the New York Islanders for a fairly long time.

A finalist for the Calder Trophy in 2004, Hunter on Friday signed a five-year contract extension with the Islanders that will keep him with the club through the 2012-13 season.

In September 2006, DiPietro inked an astounding 15-year deal with New York worth $67.5 million.

"This is what I was determined to see happen all along a long-term deal," Hunter said. "Even though I could have been an unrestricted free agent in the summer, I never gave any thought to playing anywhere else. I'm very proud to be an Islander every day and I didn't have any interest in being anything else other than a New York Islander.

"The contract got done today with a lot of respect and class shown on both sides, so now it's back to the race for the playoffs."

Selected in the sixth round of the 1998 draft by Anaheim, Hunter was acquired from the Ducks in May 2000 for a fourth-round pick that year. The native of Red Deer, Alberta made his NHL debut with the Islanders during the 2003 Stanley Cup playoffs, recording a goal and an assist in four games.

Hunter appeared in eight regular-season contests in 2002-03 before emerging as a regular the following campaign, when he registered 25 goals and 26 assists in 77 games for a share of the team's scoring lead.

"We've said it a lot this season - Trent Hunter is the kind of player and person we want as a core player for the New York Islanders," general manager Garth Snow said. "Our team theme this season is heart, grit and character, and that's a perfect description of Trent. Everyone in our organization, and I'm certain our fans, are thrilled Trent Hunter is going to be a New York Islander for at least five more seasons."

In 62 games this campaign, the 27-year-old Hunter has notched eight goals and 24 assists. He has amassed 69 tallies and 157 points in 306 career contests.