Matt Moulson is now officially a member of the Buffalo Sabres, again. The 30-year-old left winger from North York, Ontario agreed to a five year, $25 million contract. The deal is worth an annual cap hit of $5 million.
Drafted 263rd in the 2003 National Hockey League Entry Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Moulson never played for the team and instead signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Kings. After a stint in their AHL affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs, Moulson got his spot with LA. That was short-lived and he then went on to sign with the New York Islanders, becoming a house-hold name and eventual linemate of star forward John Tavares.
In the first three seasons with the Islanders, Moulson never missed a game and scored no less than 30 goals each season, while his point total increased each year, capping at 69 points in the 2011-12 season. In his 4th year with the Islanders, Moulson was traded to the Sabres after playing just 11 games, for Thomas Vanek. After a 44-game stint, Moulson was sent packing to the Minnesota Wild, along with Cody McCormick for Tory Mitchell and a couple of draft picks.
Career-wise, Moulson has scored 141 goals and amassed 275 points in 397 games. While his regular season production is stable, it’s his post-season efforts that come off as alarming to most. In 16 games, Moulson has put up a measely 6 points (3 goals, 3 assists) and has almost vanished entirely during big moments. The Sabres are hoping to improve in the next couple of seasons, and Moulson, who was apparently quite happy during his time in Buffalo, seems to want to be a part of it.
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