For today’s poll we’ll stick with the Matt Moulson theme. Yesterday we asked whether the Buffalo Sabres could rebuild or build around Moulson, but that question can’t really be answered until Moulson decides his future. Will he stick with the Buffalo Sabres or will he bolt for another team?
Matt Moulson was acquired from the New York Islanders in the Thomas Vanek trade and has made a good impression with the
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Sabres and their fans since joining the Sabres. He has 11 points in 15 games and was responsible for improving both Cody Hodgson and Tyler Ennis, but he has also had his ups and downs.
Under Ron Rolston he was embarrassed by a benching in which he had to suffer through a third period while the Sabres were losing. Rolston didn’t think the top line had been playing well and decided to sit them, but doing so with Moulson made him public target number one and may have left a bad taste in his mouth.
Moulson also went through a cold streak after Ted Nolan took over behind the bench leading some to believe the two don’t mix well.
There is no question Moulson is a solid player but the debate is whether he can get it done on the first line without John Tavares. So far he’s done a solid job with the Buffalo Sabres alongside Cody Hodgson but can he reach his full potential? He has reached the 30 goal mark 3 times in his career and has even reached 50 points in a season before, but can he do that with the current Sabres? Probably not.
Moulson is already 30 years of age and has made an appearance in the NHL playoffs just once before, he probably wants to head to a team that will give him the chance to battle in the playoffs. If he sticks with the Sabres it will be at least another 3 season’s before they enter the playoff land.
He could be a first line player for the rebuilding Buffalo Sabres or he could be a 2nd line guy for a team with a shot at the playoffs and the Stanley Cup. If I’m Matt Moulson I’m heading out of town first chance I get.
The good news for the Buffalo Sabres if they wish to keep Moulson is money talks. Throw enough money in Moulson’s direction, see how he works with Hodgson and tell him you’ll get a true number one centre and Moulson may be willing to stick around. 33 isn’t exactly old for a hockey player these days, if Moulson can stick out the rebuild he may find himself on a very talented hockey team on which he is one of the leaders.
What do you guys think; Will Matt Moulson stay or will he ultimately go? Is there anything the Sabres can do to get him to stick around? Sound off in the comments and vote in the poll.
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