MATT MOULSON HEARING ON FOR TUESDAY
Decision expected by Thursday afternoon
6:30 pm: With the two sides still far apart, the Islanders appear willing to let Matt Moulson‘s next contract be determined by the arbitration process. (That’s what it’s there for). The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday at 9:00 am in Toronto. Barring any difficulties, a decision should be rendered by Thursday afternoon.
11:30 am: Vancouver 25-goal, 52-point man Mason Raymond gets a two-year contract for $2.5 milllion and $2.6 million in a settlement prior to their scheduled arbitration hearing. Provides a decent benchmark for a Moulson deal, if the Islanders and his agent get together.
3:00 pm: Looks like any hope for a contract settlement between Garth Snow and wing Moulson before an arbitration hearing will have to come down to Monday. According to a source, there has been no recent progress on a short or long-term deal for Moulson, who scored 30 goals for the Islanders last season and was one of the NHL’s happiest stories.
Still, do not rule out an agreement before the Tuesday, 9:00 am hearing in Toronto. It’s not uncommon for teams to settle with players, even the night before when their legal teams are on their flights to Canada. Either way, chances of the Islanders walking away from Moulson in 2010-11? Somewhere around 0%.
Since I’ll be away on another assignment, please check my Twitter on Monday and Tuesday for any updates.
