Travis Moen Signed to Four Year Extension Travis Moen - LW - 6'2" 215 lbs
2011-12 Stats: 48GP - 9G - 7A - 16Pts - -3 - 41 PIM
The Cost
The Montreal Canadiens came to terms with Travis Moen Friday afternoon, inking the gritty winger to a four year $1.85 million extension. Moen will recieve a $350,000 raise as well as an extra year compared to his previous three-year contract.
The length of the deal came as somewhat of a shock to many as there were rumors in the days leading up to the signing that Moen was close to signing a two-year extension.
Performance
Before being sidelined for the remainder of the year with an upper body injury in February, Moen was on pace for a career season.
His nine goals were just two shy of his career high 11 in '06-'07 and his seven assists just four short from matching the 11 he posted in '09-'10, his first year as a Hab.
Moen's highest total was 21 points as an Anaheim Duck in '06-'07.
With 34 games remaining in the season at the time of his injury, it's hard to believe he wouldn't have posted career numbers had he stayed healthy.
The Fit
Moen could be used on the team's fourth line alongside Ryan White. Renaud Lavoie of RDS reported via Twitter that the Canadiens will take a pass on Brad Staubitz's services and so the third party on this potential line has yet to be signed.
What is also possible is a third line of Moen playing on Lars Eller's wing with Louis Leblanc on the right. However, it may do Leblanc well to spend more time in Hamilton—assuming he signs in Montreal.
While the line combinations may still be up in the air, what's sure is that Moen will play a huge part on the team's PK unit. He played an average of 2:22 minutes per game shorthanded last season, and had fantastic chemistry with Tomas Plekanec generating multiple scoring chances while down a man.
All things said, is four years too long for a player who fits that role? Who would you like to see playing alongside the nine year veteran?
Check out other player profiles:
Ryan White
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Sean is a freelance writer currently contributing to HabsAddict.com. He is also a regular blogger and frequent panelist on the Habs post game show at MontrealHockeyTalk.com
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(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America)
