Hunts has long been an enigma. He tantalized with his first year performance but just has never risen to the level Islander fans have hoped he would. The last line of his THN profile says it all: “Has the potential to be more dominant on the ice.”

What could lift his game to that hoped for dominance? How do we get ol’ Hunts to shift into the next gear? My answer would be to place John Tavares right next to him on the second line. Tavares’ style of play is akin to Espo, the great Phil Esposito. Like Espo, JT is deadliest from the Slot. And like Espo, he needs big, tough physical wingers who can and will go into the corners to dig out the puck for him and create screens in front of the goalie. Hunts would be a perfect fit for JT’s linemate.

The next question is: Who should play left wing on that line? One possible answer could be Jesse Joensuu. Jesse is certainly big and physical enough and I suspect that Coach Gordon will give him a shot. I do not, however, think that he is the likeliest candidate.

Shortly after free agency began, Garth signed several players who slipped in under the radar, little noted in all the clamoring for Tanguay and others. One among them deserves special notice. Matt Moulson. Because of the wealth of talent on the Kings’ roster, he never really got the shot he deserved with them. Read what Hockey’s Future says about him:

“Talent Analysis
He’s a tremendously skilled player with hockey smarts to boot. Moulson’s also an excellent skater with very good speed. He’s blessed with great hands, and his passing ability is outstanding. He uses his 6’1/205 frame quite well. He’s strong and tough to move off of the puck.

In addition to his well-publicized offensive skills, Moulson is also a solid defensive player. He was utilized in Cornell’s penalty-killing situations and has done very well in breaking up plays, particularly in odd-man rush situations."

Espo wound up in the Hall of Fame in no small part due to the abilities of linemates Ken Hodge and Wayne Cashman to get him the puck and run interference for him. Hunts and Moulson could do the same for JT. One of Canada’s favorite beers is Molson Golden. Moulson-Tavares-Hunter (all three Canadians) might prove to be the Islanders’ Golden Line.

I was once asked to name the three best Milbury trades, and he was #2. The player we traded to the ducks for him only played 38 games in the NHL before heading back to Europe.

He’s good, but needs some talent around him. He dropped off at the same time the Isles started to fade. I like the idea of teaming him with Tavares.

Cutting the grading off at his injury, in my semi homer opinion, makes him a 4. I would not complain if Hunter was given the “C” this year, as long as he maintains what he gave last year. The only reason I wouldn’t want to give it to Streit, is because he is new to the team. I just do not like bringing in a new player and handing him the C, even if he is a veteran play-maker.

(sorry, bad Swiss joke; guess it’s better than a watch or pocket-knife quip though?).

Well, at least you decided not to go with “Watch what that Swiss will unfold”

Can’t go wrong with your best player who is committed long-term to the franchise.

I only have the one reason not to give it to Streit, but I wouldn’t complain about either him or Hunter getting the C.

Okay, I’m out of the box, and I am VERY annoyed. I get madder than Avery at the end of a relationship when people vote 1 and don’t leave a comment to explain it. Even if they are a Ranger fan who is Trolling, they should own up to it! If you are going to Troll, be a proud Troll.