New York Islanders Ink Matt Moulson for 3 Years

The New York Islanders announced today that they have re-signed forward Matt Moulson to a three-year, $9.4 million deal that will keep him on the island through the 2013-14 season.

Rumors had been circulating that if Moulson, who scored 30 goals for the lowly Islanders last season, was not re-signed before the trade deadline, he would have been dealt.

According to Newsday's Katie Strang, Moulson had hoped the deal would come because he did not want to test the free-agent market this summer.

"From the get go, I told both sides—my agent and [GM] Garth Snow—where I wanted to be. I didn't want to go into free agency. So there was a commitment from both sides. I want to be a part of the group that turns this back into a winning franchise," Moulson said.

Moulson expressed his excitement and happiness for the deal directly on his Twitter account (@MMoulson): "Extremely excited to have another three years with a great organization...I love LI and am honored to be a part of this team."

This is a step in the right direction for the Islanders and their fanbase. Aside from essentially ending Mark Streit's season in training camp, Moulson has had a great two seasons for the Islanders.

After being picked up by GM Garth Snow from the L.A. Kings, Moulson has registered 47 goals (17 this season).

The Islanders have and will continue to preach youth, and having an established forward like Moulson, 27, is great for the youth movement.

It would have been a big blow to the fans had Snow pulled the trigger on a trade rather than the signing, especially after he dealt James Wisniewski and Dwayne Roloson earlier this season.