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.”