Islanders trade Matt Moulson & Picks for Thomas Vanek

Per Arthur Staple, "The New York Islanders have traded Matt Moulson, their 2014 1st-round pick and a 2015 2nd-round pick to Buffalo for Thomas Vanek."

@MMoulson 27 Oct

Would like to thank all the great people and fans I was able to meet in NY..I will miss you all. This is the beginning of a new chapter.

The trade of Matt Moulson was a shock to fans & team mates alike. But Isles GM, Garth Snow mentioned that it was in the works for months at his presser at Isles practice today.  He also admitted that he did not speak with team Captain and Long time line mate, John Tavares of the trade.  Hockey is a business and sometimes, requires that you make difficult decisions.

 

"It's sad to leave people you care about and love behind," Moulson told ESPNNewYork.com when reached by phone Sunday night. "I think over the years I've shown my want to be a part of the organization and turning around the team into being successful. I guess, obviously, in the long run, they didn't feel the same."

 

Matt Moulson had 3 thirty goal seasons with New York and was on pace for a fourth with 15 goals in last years lockout shortened campaign.  This season, he had 6 and 3 for 9 pts in 11 games as an Islander.  Snow had this to say about Moulson, "In that respect, it's always tough to see a player like Matt go out the door but you have to give up something to get something."

"I guess this is what happens in pro sports," Moulson said. "I gotta move on. Obviously, I'll miss everyone, but this will be a new chapter."

Moulson had this to say to ESPN.com about being traded to the last place Sabers, "Obviously not the start they wanted," Moulson added, "Hopefully I can be the guy that helps them turn that around."  Matt Moulson had 2 goals in a losing effort for the Sabers tonight.  I wish him the best of luck.  He is a classy player and an even better human being for his work in the community and charity work.

 

 

 

On the trade for Thomas Vanek, Garth Snow talked of the team's success in signing free agents who came in and got a feel for the organization before negotiating for an extension.  Recent exaples would include Lubomir Visnovsky and Evgeni Nabokov.

On the added packaging of this summer's 1st rd pick and next years 2nd rd pick, Snow said, "With the prospect pool that we have, that lessened the burden of losing a first round pick and second round pick."

 

The Islanders have shown a lot of inconsistent play this season.  Despite having success on special teams and scoring goals, they need work on the defensive side of their game.  That will almost surely come with prospects like Reinhart, Pulock, deHaan, Pelech, Pokka, Ness & Mayfield.  The right deal could bring a top defensemen to the team if another deal can be made at what Snow considers a fair price.  The Goaltending situation should remain the same with Nabokov giving the team the best chance to win and Poulin getting his chance to show if his game is improving enough to be considered more than a prospect/back up.

 

"We have to be more consistent, we have to be better. We need to take that next step and we feel that Thomas can help us get there." 


The trade also sends a message to anyone Capuano calls "passengers."  Any players who aren't giving the effort required might find themselves moved as well. 

 

Isles lines at practice today:

Vanek-Tavares-Okposo; Bouchard-Nielsen-Bailey; Grabner-Nelson-Regin-Clutterbuck; Martin-Cizikas-McDonald-Boulton.

Thomas Vanek will wear #26 for the Islanders.

 

On his trade to the Island, Vanek had this to say, "I was excited to come here, it's a great young team and an up-tempo style. I'm looking forward to it."  That kind of enthusiasm would be what fans and management call a good sign.  Vanek's agent said that there has been no talks by the Isles about retaining Vanek beyond this season as of yet.  I would assume the organization and player want to see how things develop and talks can happen later on the season if things go well.  If not, Vanek can always be moved at the deadline to recoup similar picks that were lost.

 

On playing with John Tavares, Vanek said, "An opportunity like this doesn't come around much. I'm gonna try and make the most of it."  John Tavares has never played with a player of Vaneks skill level.  The eight time twenty goal scorer is an elite NHL player and with JT, can find another level in his game.

Vanek can start when his New York Islanders face their arch rival, New York Rangers tomorrow night.

 

Isles Notes:

 

Per Arthur Staple, "Brian Strait (upper body), Lubo Visnovsky (concussion) not skating today for Isles."

 

Per Capgeek, "Vanek and Moulson rank among the 2014 UFA class's top 15 scorers." 

"Isles defenseman Andrew MacDonald leads the 2014 UFA class in average ice time."