Islanders Trade Moulson to Sabres

The New York Islanders have acquired left winger, Thomas Vanek from the Buffalo Sabres.  The trade, which was announced around 9 p.m. on Sunday, October 27^th, will have Islanders Matt Moulson heading up to Buffalo.  In addition to Moulson, the Islanders also gave the Sabres their first round 2014 NHL draft pick as well as their second round pick in the 2015 draft.

Vanek and Moulson, both first round picks in the 2003 draft, have very similar stats from the past three seasons, in fact, Moulson’s stats are just a bit better.  If the Islanders had done a one for one trade, acquiring Vanek and sending Moulson up to the Sabres, there would be no issue with the trade.  However, throwing in two high draft picks was in my opinion, unnecessary.  The two players are just about equal, so I see no reason why the Islanders needed to not only trade a player that is very well liked by fans, and has great on-ice chemistry with his line mates, but also give up draft picks in the next two drafts.

Islander fans have had mixed reviews about the trade.  Some are extremely excited to welcome Thomas Vanek to Long Island, while others are like me and don’t see how this trade made sense for the team.  I am curious to see how Vanek, who makes his NYI debut on Tuesday night at home against the New York Rangers, does for the team.

Their stats in terms of goals, assists, and +/- rating for the last three seasons are as follows:

Moulson

Vanek

** The Sabres have played 13 games so far this season; the Islanders have only played 11