Trading: The Only Thing Buffalo Can Win

Moulson scored twice in his Sabres debut.

The Buffalo Sabres are currently the laughing stock of the NHL.  They have struggled thus far having played the most games of any team in the league, and having the fewest points.  Last year they made a good trade by moving Pominville at the trade deadline for more than ample compensation.  I said in my season preview that both Vanek and Miller should be moved before the end of the 2013/14 season.  1 Down, 1 to go.

When I saw that the New York Islanders made a trade to acquire Thomas Vanek from Buffalo I was pleased to see the Islanders having a "win now" approach.  With their young talent and rising prominence in the east conference, it was time to see the Islanders begin to contend for a Cup again.  When I saw what the Islanders gave up to get Vanek, I instantly grew angry and knew it was time for a Garth Snow rant.  Here I go:

First off, let me just say that the only reason Evgeni Nabokov is on the Islanders is because Snow is bitter about losing in the 1997 Stanley Cup Finals to the Detroit Red Wings and so he scooped Nabby off waivers just prevent Detroit from succeeding.  That may have worked in the long-run, but it was still kind of a dick move Snow.

Moving on to this trade:  The reason I initially liked this trade was because the Islanders were looking to win now.  They signed veterans like Pierre-Marc Bouchard and grinder Cal Clutterbuck in the offseason.  Those are clearly moves meant to make playoff impacts.  Those are not pieces that get you to the playoffs, they help you win when you get there.  Again, they have young talent all over their roster, as well as in the AHL, CHL, and other leagues in Europe.  Then they have a solid core group of guys in Tavares, Okposo, Bailey, Nielsen, and Moulson.... Oh wait!  Moulson is now a Buffalo Sabre because of the Vanek trade.  Moulson is a 3 time 30 goal scorer and was just 3 points shy of a point per game season last year.  Oh, and his numbers have improved ever so slightly each year.  Moulson clearly is a guy you can build a team around, especially at age 29.

I would not trade Moulson for Vanek straight up.  Buffalo got Moulson and a 1st and 2nd round pick in this trade.

Vanek is an unrestricted free agent at the end of this year.

I did not point the above points in paragraphs because I want them to pop.  Those are two very sound reasons why this trade should never have happened.  By the way, Moulson's point production is very similar to Vaneks, although it is not quite as high.  However, Moulson has a significantly better defensive game.  He plays the game with heart and is good on special teams as well.  Vanek is a powerplay specialist, but if he is ever on a penalty killing unit, expect to see the puck behind Nabokov.

I had great expectations for the Islanders going forward.  I predicted that they will win a Cup in the next 5 years, but I am starting to rethink that based on the direction Garth Snow is taking this team.  I give Buffalo credit for getting a great return on Vanek, but I blame Snow for a huge mistake as well.  Who knows, I could be wrong and Vanek could be the perfect fit?  I say probably not, however.  Also, I would not be surprised if Buffalo goes right back to the market and moves Moulson before the deadline for more picks/prospects.  Buffalo may not win many games this year, but at least they won this trade.

On a positive note for Islanders fans (who make awesome videos), at least Snow is better than Milbury!