Moen had what has become a typical season for him. He played mostly on the fourth line and finished with 12 points while adhering to defense and getting minutes on the penalty-kill unit. It's a similar role the Habs are expecting out of Moen this season.
Moen had just two goals and six points in 48 games in 2012-13, the lowest goal output of his career and his lowest point total since 2005-06 when Moen played for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. As the Canadiens have bolstered their lineup with more proven scorers, Moen's not going to get the opportunity to improve much in his scoring. He'll return as a fourth liner with a knack for killing penalties.
Moen inked a four-year contract -- the longest deal he's ever signed -- to return to Montreal. He was on pace for his best season before a mid-year concussion followed by sinusitis cut it all short. If all hockey teams need grinders, then the Canadiens can certainly use Moen, who has served that role the last three seasons for the team. He's a defensive forward that won't make too much noise offensively.
Moen played primarily on the third line with some occasional fill-in duty on the top two lines due to injury, finishing up with 16 points and 96 minutes in penalties in 2010-11. In a perfect world, Moen remains a third- or fourth-line grinder that can give Montreal’s forwards some much needed grit. He’s not on the roster for his scoring ability.
The gritty winger finished the 2009-10 season with eight goals and 11 assists for a total 19 points. The 19 points was two off his NHL career high of 21 back in Anaheim for the 2006-07 season. However, the 11 assists he tallied set a new career high surpassing the 10 assists during that 2006-07 season. Moen played in 81 games, but finished with a career-low 57 PIMs. It should be safe to assume if Moen stays healthy for the 2010-11 season he should produce around 20 points.
Moen is projected to play left wing on the third line for Anaheim with Sami Pahlsson and Rob Niedermayer as linemates and it's a line of very similar players. In fantasy terms, that means not many goals, not a lot of assists, and not a whole lot of fantasy value. This group is defensive minded, which is fantasy code (for you rooks out there) for "avoid him unless you're desperate." Moen can play both left wing and center and that kind of versatility could offer some hope of potential value if injuries or poor play get him moved onto the second line, but that looks extremely unlikely right now.
Moen is a guy you should consider taking with a late round pick, especially if your league values penalty minutes. He will get around 20 points, and post 100+ penalty minutes. Last season he notched 21 points (11 goals and 10 assists) and 101 penalty minutes in 82 games, before having an offensive outburst in the playoffs, tallying seven goals and five assists for the Ducks en route to the franchise's first Stanley Cup.
Moen has minimal upside after scoring just four goals in 39 games last season. He may wind up cracking the Ducks fourth line this season.
Acquired from Chicago for his grit and tenacity, Moen will only be a fantasy factor if your league awards points for PIMs. Moen had 142 PIMs in 82 games two years ago.
