Prospect Pulse: Matt Moulson

Matt Moulson is one of those wandering nomad prospects who seem to hit their stride later on in life and provide a hidden gem for a team that is willing to give them a chance. Originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Moulson spent his college career putting up good numbers at Cornell. Upon completion of his senior year, Moulson signed with the Los Angeles Kings.

Another big college forward to add to their ranks, LA has done well mining the NCAA teams in the northeast. Moulson is a gifted offensive player who is an excellent skater and an even better thinker of the game. More of a passer than a shooter, Moulson is not shy about using his 6’1, 205 pound body to gain position for himself or to get the puck. Once in possession, he is nearly impossible to knock off.

Like so many players that come out of college, Moulson is a good defensive player. He was on the top penalty killing unit at Cornell and has also filled this role in Manchester of the AHL. He is able to use his hockey smarts to break up plays and get himself into shooting and passing lanes. Rarely caught out of position, Moulson has the skating ability to get himself back into the play in the rare instances where he gets victimized.

Moulson put up 55 points in 77 games in his first year of pro hockey, and already has 8 points in 6 games this season. Though he is stuck behind some other players in the Kings system, it likely won’t be long until he forces his way into their lineup. Scouts note that while Moulson has all the tools to be an NHL’er, he must learn to use these tools consistently before he is able to shed the shackles of Manchester and make his way to California.