The New York Islanders have completed a monster trade that sees Thomas Vanek become a member of the Islanders, while Matt Moulson, the Islanders 2014 first round pick, and their 2015 second round draft picks will be heading to Buffalo. Vanek and Moulson are both set to be unrestricted free agents following this season.
Vanek, 29, has spent his entire career with the Buffalo Sabres after being their first round pick, 5th overall, in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He was recently named co-captain of the Sabres, along with Steve Ott. In 13 games this season he has scored four goals and added five assists for nine points. Last season, Vanek had 20 goals and 41 points in 38 games for the Sabres. He has 254 goals and 497 points in 598 career games.
Moulson, 29, was an AHL journeyman until joining the Islanders in the 2009 season. He found instant chemistry with John Tavares and would put up three straight 30 goal seasons. In the lockout shortened year, Moulson had 15 goals and 44 points in 47 games for the Isles, in helping the team to a long-awaited playoff appearance. So far this season he has six goals and nine points in 11 games.
Analysis
While the offensive numbers may be similar in recent years, there are few analysts out there who think that Moulson and Vanek have comparable talent. Vanek is more of an offensive catalyst who has produced as the key piece of the Sabres offence, and without the support that a John Tavares has given Moulson. That said, Moulson is no slouch and has developped a knack for burying pucks. This is an expensive upgrade for the Isles at wing, and the chemistry Vanek and Tavares develop, as well as the Isles ability to re-sign Vanek will be keys in evaluating the deal going forward. While the draft pick cost may seem high to some, the Isles have one of the best prospect groups in the NHL, if this is the cost to get a true superstar to compliment Tavares, the move will be worth it.
For the Sabres, this is a struggling club that continues their purge of veterans and accumulation of prospects and assets that they have done over the last two years. The first round pick means that Buffalo is now set to have two first round picks for the third year in a row at the 2014 NHL Draft. Do not be surprised if Moulson is flipped for more picks later in the season. This move also opens the door for other veterans such as goaltender Ryan Miller to also be leaving Buffalo this season.
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