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 in exchange for a fourth-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. He made his NHL debut in the 2002 Stanley Cup playoffs, scoring one goal and one assist in four games. Hunter broke into the NHL full-time with the Islanders in 2003–04 and was tied for first on the team in goals and tied for total points. He finished third in voting for the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2004, losing to goaltender Andrew Raycroft of the Boston Bruins. During the 2004–05 NHL lockout, Hunter played in Nyköpings Hockey in the Swedish HockeyAllsvenskan, 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 championsBrynäs IFaway from home in the playoffs. In the end, a defeat in the return leg ended Nyköping's hopes. Hunter then become an important player for the Islanders. He was consistently among the NHL leaders in hits and was 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. On September 14, 2011 it was announced that Hunter would sign a professional tryout contract with the Los Angeles Kings to attend the pre-season camp for the 2011–12 campaign. He was then signed to a one-year contract with the Kings on September 30, 2011. After producing only 7 points in 38 games with the Kings, he was cleared from waivers and reassigned to their AHL affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs, for the remainder of the season.
