The 2015-16 season is not working out for Buffalo Sabres forward Matt Moulson.
The 32-year-old been largely ineffective for the Sabres this season, managing just five goals through 64 games, and while his on-ice struggles seem to have stemmed from a lack of confidence, general manager Tim Murray believes it all starts with his workouts.
"I see a player that maybe has neglected some things in the last couple years as far as how workouts are changing, how we as an organization are changing with our young players and even our players on the team," Murray said on WGR 550-AM Radio, according to John Vogl of Buffalo News.
"He's sat up through some tough conversations. He's sat up and taken notice, and I would say in the last five to six weeks he has been our hardest-working guy after games in the gym."
Moulson has been putting in the time; anything to help rekindle the offensive side of his game that saw him hit the 30-goal mark in three straight season from 2010 to 2012. However, Moulson denies that his workout habits have changed.
"I just think it was a case of, I kind of lost my confidence and building that back up by the way I'm working," said Moulson. "I don't think my workouts have really changed. I've taken my off-ice performances pretty seriously my entire life.
"Obviously, (it's) not the way I wanted it to go," said Moulson. "You want to help your team win and contribute. You always want to do that. I think for anyone that likes scoring goals you want to have more of them."
In the meantime, the Sabres are hoping they can get Moulson back towards becoming the producer he has proven he can be for the 2016-17 campaign.
"The long-term goal is to have him better and able to produce starting next September in training camp, but it has started now," said Murray. "The extra work has started now. We know it won't pay off, like I say, tomorrow, but I fully expect he'll come back better next year.
"I don't expect to see a drastically different (player) but I expect to see a different, more competitive Matt Moulson next season."
- With h/t to NBC Sports
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