Man on a mission: Matt Moulson

Where do you begin an article of this nature?  The spotlight is on Matt Moulson as we take an in depth look at the new New York Islanders forward.

Drafted in the 9th round, #263 overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Moulson took some time to find a home within the National Hockey League.

From the NCAA to the AHL, it was a long journey for the 6’1″, 210 lbs winger from North York, Ontario. Unable to find a home in Pittsburgh and staying in college turned Moulson into a free agent at the end of his college career.  He was signed as a free agent by the Los Angeles Kings, however, was never able to make the cut for the big club.

Unable to find a spot within the Los Angeles Kings organization, the Kings opted to let Moulson test the free agent market. Possibly the best decision that could have ever been made for Moulson as he was able to sign a contract with the New York Islanders and friend John Tavares.

Now, 26 year old Moulson has found himself in a role that can not be overlooked.  Riding shotgun on the top line in New York with rookie phenom John Tavares has paid huge dividends for Moulson.

Signed by the Islanders to a one year deal, Moulson has been given every opportunity to prove his value at the NHL level.The next steps for Matt would be to continue the hot start he is having, and then sign a nice contract extension with the Islanders.

Currently, in 21 games played, Moulson has 18 points and a +/- rating of plus-6. He plays on the top line and the top power play unit for coach Scott Gordon, and is on pace to have a breakout year. Sure, he only has 29 NHL games to his credit prior to this year but he is two points away from doubling his NHL career totals for points. Already surpassing his goals and his points totals for his career, Moulson looks to become a 20-25 goal, 40-50 assist type player, something you would expect from a top line winger. I think the TSN projected totals are a bit exaggerated, but 30 assists is more then likely. A 60-70 point player is something that Moulson can easily become in this NHL, especially if Tavares and Okposo are part of the top unit along with him this season.

In hopes of not jinxing anything, health would be the only thing stopping Moulson from achieving top line numbers by the conclusion of this season.

Where did Moulson come from you ask?  I do not have the answer to that, but what I do know is that under Scott Gordon, and with long time friend John Tavares, even if he came out of no where, we hope he is here to stay.

So far, the New York Islanders are in playoff contention.  Do not bash me, as I know it is only mid-November but how can you overlook the fact that expectations to start the season were non-existent and now there is potential to be a playoff club?  My answer: you can not!

A big reason for this is the top line play, especially the play of Moulson. Roloson, Hunter, Park, Streit, Hillen and company all deserve a tip of the hat (as well as others) but the #1 line has been the talk of the town, and rightfully so.

Welcome to New York, Matt Moulson.  Hoping your stay is long and glorious.

Anthony Curatolo is a hockey blogger/enthusiast.  He also writes for Hockey Independent, Inside Hockey, Hendricks Hockey and The Checking Line. He is the co-producer and host of “The Hockey Guys” which is a Hockey Talk Radio show that airs live on Sunday’s from 2PM – 4PM Eastern Standard Time. When he is not covering hockey, he is sitting around playing his acoustic guitar and setting his rosters for all the fantasy hockey leagues he takes part in.