Moulson, Fleischmann And Brule Avoid Arbitration

Salary arbitration can be an ugly process in where agents turn their clients into rockstars and general managers make them look like mere roadies. It’s where the truth really comes about between two parties that would much rather closet how they really feel. And sometimes, feelings get hurt.

So when a team can avoid going this route with any players, it’s a good thing. Such was the case earlier today when the New York Islanders, Washington Capitals and Edmonton Oilers managed to retain a young star each on new deals that didn’t require the assistance of an independent arbitrator to mediate through their squabbling.

Literally moments ahead of a 9 a.m. hearing in Toronto, the Islanders reached an agreement with left wing Matt Moulson on a one year deal at $2.45 million, according to Newsday. The 26-year old had a breakout campaign on Long Island last season in which he posted 30 goals – eight coming on the power play and five counting as game winners – and 48 points over the course of a full 82-game schedule. This was his first regular action in the NHL after spending three years in the Los Angeles Kings’ system and posting totals of six goals and 10 points in 29 games with the big club.

“I was excited. We figured that if something was going to get done it would be this morning,” Moulson told Katie Strang of Newsday. “I wanted to be back on the Island.”

According to Strang, the Islanders were willing to offer Moulson anywhere from one to three years at $2 million per season. But they were eventually able to settle on a slightly higher number for just one season. The Islanders were likely concerned that Moulson’s phenomenal 2009-10 won’t be repeated and don’t want to commit too much money and too many years to somebody that could be a one hit wonder. It’s a risky play, however, as Moulson does turn 27 in November and would therefore be eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer. One more campaign like last year - or an even better one where hitting the 40-goal plateau is a personal goal for Moulson - could lead to a disastrous situation with him leaving Long Island for greener pastures.

Though Tomas Fleischmann’s salary arbitration hearing wasn’t scheduled until tomorrow, the Capitals didn’t want to take it to the last minute and inked their young winger to a one year deal as well at $2.6 million. This is a $1.875 million raise for the 26-year old that has become increasingly better with each passing season in Washington.

Fleischmann is a gifted and creative offensive force for the Capitals who posted career highs in goals (23), assists (28) and points (51) last season. He was also big on the power play and coming up in the clutch with seven man-advantage markers and four games winners – both equal to his 2008-09 totals. He was a bit of a ghost in six playoff games, but he was far from the only one in Washington en route to an early exit at the hands of the Montreal Canadiens.

Like Moulson, Fleischmann will be eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer, making this one year deal business a potentially harmful route if he decides to test the market. Even if he is intent on remaining a Capital, further improvement could warrant a mightier pay raise next year and an inability for Washington to retain him with much less cap flexibility.

The Edmonton Oilers will escape that situation with their newly re-signed restricted free agent Gilbert Brule on two accounts. First, they dealt him a two-year contract. Secondly, at just 23 years old, he will be 25 at the conclusion of the deal.

Brule, who was scheduled to have his salary arbitration hearing on Aug. 3, will earn $1.875 million in each of the next two seasons. Largely a disappointment since being drafted sixth by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2005, Brule had the best year of his career with 17 goals and 37 points in 61 games played. He saw some power play time, put up three game-winners and proved he is not the complete bust many already pegged him to be. Perhaps he can keep that trend going over the next two years and become a bigger piece to a team that could sorely use the type of play he was hyped for over five years ago.