In a move that helps both teams with respect to wages, the Devils on Thursday acquired forward Trent Hunter of the New York Islanders in exchange for forward Brian Rolston.

Hunter, 31, spent nine seasons with the Islanders, compiling 99 goals and 229 points in 459 NHL games. Acquired from Anaheim on May 23, 2000, a Ducks’ sixth-round draft choice in 1998. Due to a torn MCL, he played only 17 games last season, scoring one goal.

Rolston, 38, was in his second term as a Devil. He had 14 goals and 34 points last season as New Jersey, missed the postseason for the first time since 1996.

The deal brings the Islanders closer to the NHL salary floor of $ 48.3 million next season. And it also gives the Devils a little more space to try to cover sign restricted free agent Zach Parise, who is scheduled to go to arbitration next week.

Rolston is entering the final year of a contract that pays him just over $ 5 million. Hunter is scheduled to make $ 2 million.