Matt Moulson, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, spent a decade in the NHL, primarily known for his time with the New York Islanders. Born on November 1, 1983, in North York, Ontario, Moulson played collegiate hockey at Cornell University, where he honed his skills and developed into a promising forward. After being drafted 263rd overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Moulson's journey to the NHL was not immediate, as he spent time in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Manchester Monarchs, the affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings.
Moulson's NHL debut came with the Los Angeles Kings during the 2007-2008 season, but it was with the New York Islanders that he truly found his stride. Signing with the Islanders as a free agent in 2009, Moulson quickly became a reliable goal scorer. In his first season with the Islanders, he played all 82 games and scored 30 goals, a feat he repeated in the following two seasons. His ability to consistently find the back of the net made him a valuable asset to the team.
During his tenure with the Islanders, Moulson formed a productive partnership with John Tavares, the team's young star center. This duo was instrumental in the Islanders' offensive play, with Moulson's knack for positioning and finishing complementing Tavares's playmaking abilities. Moulson's performance earned him a three-year contract extension with the Islanders in 2011, solidifying his role as a core player for the team.
In the 2013-2014 season, Moulson's career took a turn when he was traded to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Thomas Vanek. His time with the Sabres was marked by a brief stint, as he was later traded to the Minnesota Wild before the trade deadline. Despite the changes, Moulson continued to demonstrate his scoring ability, contributing to both teams during his short stays.
Moulson returned to the Sabres in the summer of 2014, signing a five-year contract. However, his second tenure with Buffalo did not mirror the success he had with the Islanders. Over the next few seasons, Moulson's production declined, and he found himself spending more time in the AHL with the Ontario Reign, the affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings, after being placed on waivers by the Sabres.
Despite the challenges in the latter part of his NHL career, Moulson remained a respected figure in the hockey community. His leadership and experience were valued by younger players, and he continued to contribute at the AHL level. Moulson's career is a testament to his perseverance and ability to adapt to the evolving demands of professional hockey.
Throughout his NHL career, Moulson played in over 600 games, scoring more than 170 goals and providing over 360 points.
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