Moulson certainly had a “story book” season, scoring 30 goals after being pretty much cast off by the Los Angeles Kings. Often being on a line with John Tavares, Matt found a very nice scoring touch and gained much success setting up in his “office” just outside of the blue paint. He had a number of “big goals” for the Isles, and his sense of humor and personality were aspects of the guy that definitely made him quickly become among my favorites on the team.

It is interesting that the Isles and Moulson settled on a one year deal. He will then be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. If this was meant as a “proving” season to see if Moulson is the “real deal”, it will then be risky as far as having to get an extension done before July 1 of 2011. Of course, it won’t matter if he does not have such an impressive season, but I am of the mind that he will come back with another solid, 82 game effort.

From Moulson’s standpoint, well, he’s pretty much placed himself in a great spot. If he continues to show the scoring touch, he can entertain offers for his services elsewhere that could earn him some nice spending cash. If the Islanders want to keep him, well, they will have to be the team to offer him that incentive to stick around.

Personally, and it is simply a matter of opinion and it is why I am not a hockey GM, I would have preferred a two year deal. The Isles don’t have cap issues, and I would have felt more comfortable having an extra year there should he prove to be a good scorer. Obviously, if he flops, you are stuck with the contract for another year, but let’s face it … the Islanders have taken much bigger risks on long term deals …

Personally, I find this to be quite disappointing and discouraging. Jaffe’s analysis over the last four years has been so insightful and impressive. As a student of the game of hockey, he taught me so much by listening to his descriptions of plays and his in depth explanations of positioning on even the smallest aspects of a game. You simply do not find color guys who can offer such spot on observations and the ability to make one understand why or why not a simple pass or the placement of a stick was so important. Whether you are a fan of the game or casual observer, Jaffe has the ability to make you “understand” what is going on out on the ice at any given time.

Having also had the honor and privilege of having met Mr. Jaffe this passed April, I am all the more disappointed. I believe Billy also did analysis for Verses and for the NHL network, so I have no doubts that someone will snatch him up. Unfortunately, he has a wife and two children, as well as a house on the island. From what I read, he really wanted to stay in New York.

If this information proves to be true, I wish him the best of luck and thank him for his great work in the booth with Howie over the last four seasons. To me, he will be sorely missed.