For all the criticism Buffalo Sabres general manager Darcy Regier gets, he's pulled off some pretty good trades. The one that sends winger Thomas Vanek to the New York Islanders falls into that category.

In exchange, the Sabres get winger Matt Moulson, plus the Islanders first-round draft choice in 2014 and their second round choice in 2015.

Moulson has scored 30 or more goals three times for the Islanders. He had 15 goals and 44 points in last year's shortened season. Like Vanek, Moulson is in the final year of his contract.

With Vanek questioning the direction the team is going and wanting to play with a contending team, it's a good trade for both sides. The Sabres acquire a proven scorer and get additional draft choices, while the Islanders now have to be considered a strong contender.

Moulson is expected in the Buffalo lineup Monday night when the Sabres host the Dallas Stars and former Sabres coach Lindy Ruff.

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