2011-12 Islanders Season Review: Matt Moulson

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LW. Matt Moulson

Player Information:

Date of Birth: November 1, 1983 (Season Age: 27/28) Place Of Birth: North York, Ont, Canada Height: 6'1 Weight: 205  NHL Season: 3rd Full NHL Season Season In Isles Organization: 3rd Season Drafted: Penguins In The 9th Round (263rd Overall) Of The 2003 NHL Draft. Acquired: Signed as a free-agent in the summer of 2009.

2011-12 Statistics & Notable Information:

NY Islanders (NHL): 82 GP | 36 G | 33 A | 69 PTS | 6 PIM  Important Season Facts: -10th most goals in the NHL & most on the Islanders. -2nd best plus/minus on the Islanders with a plus-one. -3rd most PP goals in the NHL with 14. -Has played 246 straight games (3 full seasons) without missing one. -One of only 9 players to have at least 30 goals in each of the past three seasons.

Contract:

LENGTH: 3 YEAR(S)     VALUE: $9,400,000     TYPE: SPC     EXPIRY STATUS: UFA SEASON AHL SALARY NHL SALARY P. BONUSES S. BONUS CAP HIT 2011-12 $2,500,000 $2,500,000 — — $3,133,333 2012-13 $3,000,000 $3,000,000 — — $3,133,333 2013-14 $3,900,000 $3,900,000 — — $3,133,333

Short-Term Future: As he has through his three year tenure with the Islanders, he will start next season flanking John Tavares on the first line. With the very real possibility of PA Parenteau leaving the Isles on July 1st, Moulson will have to put up another 30+ goal campaign, but what we've seen from him in the past suggests that it won't be a problem.

Long-Term Future: At 28 years of age, he is one of the only real veterans on the club and with two more years left on his three year deal, he will be with the team for the foreseeable future and beyond. I think its safe to label him one of the key players on this team. I also wouldn't be surprised if at least once in his career he gets named an NHL All-Star.

Season Grade:
(A)  --Above expectations. Was fantastic, and did very little wrong. His skating and defensive awareness could be better, but it has noticeably improved from last season.

-I knew that Moulson would put out the type of effort he always does, but I didn't expect such an explosion in his offensive production. With eleven more assists and five more goals than his previous career highs, he was extremely successful this season and although that may be attributed to John Tavares' growth, it is still very good to see. He is a legitimate candidate for the Lady Byng Trophy, and would be the first NY Islander to win the award since Pierre Turgeon in 1992-93. His defensive play is still a problem, but it did improve from last season. As Tavares continues to mature, I expect him to reach the 40 goal plateau at least once.

Important Links:

-- Matt Moulson 2010-11 SEASON REVIEW -- 11-12 Islanders Player Reviews Home Page