HabsWorld.net -- 

Just when you thought the Habs were done, GM
Bob Gainey struck again, this time with the signing of free agent LW Travis Moen
to a 3 year contract.  The deal is reportedly for $4.5 M over the 3 years,
for a $1.5 M annual cap hit.  Moen is the 6th UFA already signed by the Canadiens who have
now changed over 33% of their roster from last season.

A 5th round pick of Calgary in 2000, the 6’2, 215 lb winger split last season
between Anaheim and San Jose, picking up 7 goals and 9 assists in 82 games, to
go along with 91 PIMS and a -18 rating.  He did improve when he was moved
to San Jose though, picking up 3 goals and 2 assists in 19 games while only
being -1.  He struggled a bit in San Jose’s short playoff run however,
going pointless with a -4 rating in just 6 games, but he did lead the team in
hits in the playoffs with 16.

Moen will never be mistaken for an offensive threat; his career high in points
is 27, and that was back in 2002 playing for Kelowna of the WHL.  What he
brings to the table is a physical presence while being somewhat responsible in
his own end of the rink. 

Fast facts:

– Moen had 171 hits during the regular season last year, which would have
ranked 2nd overall on the Habs – 1st was Mike Komisarek, who now plays for
Toronto.
– Travis’ best offensive output came during the 2006-07 playoffs (the year
Anaheim won the Cup), where he had 7 goals and 5 assists in just 21 games. 
(Though he didn’t lead the team in hits in that playoff run, he was 3rd).
– Like Montreal’s other signing Paul Mara, Moen too is strong with the puck,
with just 19 giveaways in his 82 games this year, tops for any San Jose regular. 

– Career PPG (points-per-game) during the season: 0.155.  Career PPG during
the playoffs: 0.357, more than double his regular season output.

Stats: