The Buffalo Sabres have traded Thomas Vanek to the New York Islanders. General Manager Darcy Regier announced the trade Sunday night.
Reiger held a news conference at First Niagara Center following the announcement.
"I would like to start by thanking Thomas Vanek for the contributions he has made to our organization going back to his draft year, 2003. He has been an outstanding player," said Reiger.
Vanek was traded in exchange for forward Matt Moulson, the Islanders' first-round draft selection in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft and the Islanders' second-round selection in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
In nine seasons with Buffalo, Vanek had 254 goals and 243 assists in 598 games. In 13 games this season, Vanek has four of the Sabres 20 goals. He is in the last year of his contract and finishes fifth on the franchise's all-time goal scoring list.
A three-time 30-goal scorer, Moulson has six goals this season.
"Matt will address our current needs and provide us with support, leadership scoring," said Regier, of Moulson.
"I don’t love where we are. I love what we’re doing and I believe in the direction we’re going."
The Sabres are home tonight against the Dallas Stars, with former coach Lindy Ruff returning to face his former club. Ruff was fired last season and replaced with current coach Ron Rolston.