The Buffalo Sabres have traded one of their major pieces months before the trade deadline, sending forward Thomas Vanek to the Islanders in exchange for forward Matt Moulson and two draft picks.
Thomas Vanek traded to Islanders for Matt Moulson, 2 picks
Buffalo finally found a buyer for one of its top players.
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The two draft picks are New York’s 2014 first-round pick and 2015 second-round pick.
Vanek, who has spent his entire career in Buffalo, becomes the latest casualty in Buffalo's rebuilding project. His seven-year, $50 million contract expires this summer, and the Sabres made the most of his value in trading him to the Islanders while New York receives one of the NHL's best scorers. Now in his ninth season, Vanek has 254 goals and 497 points in his career.
The Islanders paid a steep price for Vanek, however. The 29-year-old Moulson is one of the Isles’ best players, having scored over 30 goals in his first full three seasons as a pro. Those two high-round picks are costly, as well, but the Islanders are clearly looking to return to the playoffs again after a surprising first-round appearance last summer.
For more analysis, visit Die By The Blade for the Sabres’ perspective and Lighthouse Hockey for the Islanders’ perspective.
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