For Matt Moulson, it’s time to move on. A popular part of the Islanders rebuild, the three-time 30-plus goal scorer was traded to the Sabres last night along with a 2014 first round pick and 2015 second round pick in exchange for Thomas Vanek.

It was a stunning deal that had Islander fans divided. While many wonder about losing an integral part of their team who was close with John Tavares on and off the ice, others see it as a step in the right direction for a franchise that hasn’t advanced past the first round since their miracle ’93 run to the Conference Finals. It’s still a big risk by GM Garth Snow, who mortgaged part of the future to try to compete now. There’s no guarantee Vanek will re-sign. Especially with the Minnesota rumors persisting where he starred in college with former teammate Jason Pominville locked up long-term.

For the 29-year old Moulson, it was an emotional goodbye to an organization that gave him a chance. He made the most out of it totaling 118 goals and 105 assists for 223 points in 304 games for the Islanders. Tonight, he’ll make his Sabre debut when they host the Stars and former coach Lindy Ruff. Another subplot. It will be odd seeing Ruff on the opposite side coaching the team they lost to in a controversial Stanley Cup. But then again, that seems to be the norm these days for GM Darcy Regier.

When news of the trade hit Twitter, Moulson tweeted a thank you to Islander fans.

Of course, there’s no guarantee Moulson will stay in Western New York past next year’s trade deadline. The Sabres are rebuilding. Regier continues to collect draft picks like a Monopoly player collects $200. The much maligned GM at least is getting good value in the fire sale that likely will include Ryan Miller. Like Vanek, the Sabres’ franchise netminder also can hit the free agent market next summer. Ironically, reports surfaced that the franchise might’ve been willing to make Vanek the highest paid player. But not wanting to be part of a rebuild didn’t appeal to a player who wants to play on a contender. He also sent out a tweet thanking the organization.

“You train all summer long, practice every day and you want to be on a competitive team that has a chance and right now we struggled there,” Vanek said. “It’s hard to leave when you do struggle. I was one of the leaders, but at the same time the reality it’s business and I’m happy to be an Islander.”