New York Islanders Lock-up Matt Moulson
The New York Islanders have announced that they have signed left-winger Matt Moulson to a one-year contact worth $2.45 million. The signing avoids arbitration with the 26 year-old forward.
Matt Moulson
Moulson began his professional hockey career by joining the ranks of the Big Red at Cornell University. In his rookie season with the club, he posted strong numbers, tallying 23 points in 33 games. The strong play in his first year helped him get drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins, 263rd overall, in the ninth round of the 2003 National Hockey League (NHL) entry draft.
Moulson continued at Cornell for the next four years, putting up quality numbers and earning the captaincy of the hockey team. However, Pittsburgh chose not to sign Moulson to another contract and he became a free agent before he had even played a game in the NHL.
Moulson finished his last year at university and was signed by the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings decided to place him with their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate the Manchester Monarchs. In his first season in the AHL, he scored 25 goals and got 57 points in 77 games. Over the next two years, he split time between the Kings and the Monarchs, playing in 27 NHL games and registering 10 points.
Los Angeles chose not to re-sign Moulson due to his lack of production, and in 2009 he signed with the Islanders. Moulson managed to make the club out of camp and played his first full season in the NHL. Playing on the first line with John Tavares, he notched 30 goals and 18 assists for 48 points; good enough for fourth on the team.
Islanders Perspective
By re-signing Moulson, the Islanders keep together the first line that was so productive for them last season. Moulson was an integral part of the team’s growth and success.
If the Islanders had not gotten the youngster back they would have had several holes up front. It does not look as though they will bring back veteran Doug Weight, meaning Moulson’s role will expand even further. The Mississauga native played on the first line and in the first power play unit and his 30 goals were the most on the team.
General Manager (GM) Garth Snow was also able to get Moulson for a fair price and a short-term contact. For Snow the price is what matters as the Islanders are not a rich team. Moulson is now their fourth highest paid player, and at a mere $2.45 million, they still have a ton of cap space to work with. The one-year contract may be the only thing that bothers Snow, as next year he will be an unrestricted free agent (UFA). However, if Moulson has a similar year, Snow could be forced to dole out a big contract.
Moulson’s Perspective
For Moulson, this contact is a dream-come-true. Twice he has been signed and dropped by an NHL club without even getting a fair chance at being a full-time player. He worked hard and was able to get that opportunity with the Islanders last season, and he is now reaping the reward for his efforts.
Another season with the Islanders is a great move for his career, baring an injury, he will be in the line-up for all 82 games, playing on the first line and power play. Moulson’s 30 goal output last season proved that he is an important part to the franchises immediate success, and being young, he is also part of their plan going forward. It would be very difficult for Moulson to get the minutes he does with New York on any other team.
One can expect Moulson’s numbers to get even better in the 2010-11 season, as he will reap the benefits of his experience and the development of future star and line-mate Tavares.
Tags: