The Signing: Matt Moulson, LW, 30, signs with the Buffalo Sabres
The Deal: Five years, $25 million
The Cap Hit: $5 million
Where he fits: Moulson probably fits right in with the Sabres other addition up front—former Habs captain Brian Gionta. He’s a strong skater, a good possession player and when the chemistry is right with his linemates he can fill the net.
The Good: Moulson brings a top-six scoring punch that the woeful Sabres lacked last year after they dealt…Matt Moulson at the deadline. Moulson was apparently very impressed with the management situation in Buffalo and elected to return. He’ll be relied upon for big minutes and top-unit power play time and he’s shown that he’s more than John Tavares’s former running mate. Even during a season in which he split time between the Sabres, Islanders and Wild, he was still a positive CorsiRel% player.
The Bad: Moulson’s not in the very top class of sniper. He’s more of a 20-30 goal guy than someone who could ever hit 40, and is best suited to a secondary scoring role, not the primary place he’ll likely have atop the Sabres depth chart. That’s a failing of the team he’s joining, however, not of his game.
The Grade: B+. Moulson’s a big, skilled forward with a powerful shot and a nose for the net. Considering the contracts being handed out on Tuesday, as well as Buffalo’s desperate need to add punch, this is a very solid move.