Islanders deal for Vanek, send Moulson and picks to Buffalo

By Joe Pantorno

Last night, the New York Islanders made the first blockbuster deal of the 2013-2014 NHL season when they traded Matt Moulson, a 2014 first round and 2015 second round pick to Buffalo for Thomas Vanek.

I refrained from writing this for at least a day just so everything could sink in and I could evaluate the trade.

Matt Moulson was a fan favorite, a cult hero, who had been with the team during some of its worst times and seemed to have signed up for some of its best. His chemistry with captain John Tavares was well documented as he was at the center's side since the moment he was drafted.

He didn't provide blazing speed or the strength that normally shed top defenders like a cheap coat. He was one of the perfect Islanders. A hard-nosed, blue-collar workhorse that would go out every night and give you his all. The working man's player.

The deal shocked a lot of people as it seemed so sudden. According to Isles GM Garth Snow, it has been discussed at length for quite some time, which part of me would like to think that the team originally inquired for goaltender Ryan Miller. But let's get something straight: Thomas Vanek is no slouch.

The new left winger, and new no. 26 is an upgrade from  Moulson. He has size, can live in front of the net kind of like John LeClair, but has a set of hands like a piano player and a set moves that a dancer would be jealous of.

Vanek is established, putting up good numbers since 2005 and has produced consistently when talent has lacked around him. Moulson has been the beneficiary of playing alongside Tavares, having scored 30 or more goals in each of his first three FULL (2009-2011) NHL seasons.

Both are 29, Moulson two months older than Vanek.

It's imperative the Islanders re-sign the Austrian. He, like Moulson, is in the last year of his contract and
many Islanders fans have had the name Ryan Smyth running through their minds for the past 24 hours. The Islanders traded for Smyth for a playoff run in 2007, only to have him sign with Colorado the next season.

Granted, the Islanders' outlook is far brighter than it was in 2007, but if Vanek walks, and there are already rumors swirling that he will want to go to Minnesota, they will be the losers of this deal despite the depth of its farm system.

If you're a Moulson supporter like 99% of Isles nation is, don't get too down quite yet. A part of me thinks Garth Snow told him that he is going to get his money over the summer and come back to the Island.

The Islanders still need to address its defense and goaltending situation, but this Vanek deal is a sign that Snow is going to go for it and has a lot of faith in the team. When's the last time the team made a deal like this?

The team is making waves. And the good type, too. If Vanek goes out and scores a pair against the Rangers tomorrow night, he becomes a fan favorite immediately.

I'll be in Section 311, with a Rangers fan. I know, but he's one of my best friends. I'll be the big guy in the Billy Smith jersey probably yelling a lot. Come say hello if you get the chance.