NHL Free Agency Buzz: Moen won’t hit open market; Pens to covet Winnik?

Forward Travis Moen won’t hit the open market, agreeing to a 4 year – $7.4 million deal with the Montreal Canadiens. Moen was expected to be coveted on the open market with interest expected to come from the Pittsburgh Penguins who are looking to add a depth forward, preferably a player with size.

With Moen off the board, look for the Penguins to reach out to

San Jose Sharks forward Daniel Winnik on July 1 who the team had interest in last year at the trade deadline. Just 27 years old, Winnik can play a third or fourth line role (16:41 TOI) and is an effective penalty killer, leading all Sharks with 2:26 of average ice time per game on the penalty kill. He’s in the mold of Travis Moen in that he adds size, and has the ability to be a factor on the penalty kill, in addition to getting 8-12 goals. Winnik last season made $1 million and had 8 goals and 23 points on the year.

Other players of interest to the Penguins for possible replacements of Arron Asham who the team may still retained is Nashville’s Jordin Tootoo and Adam Burish. Both are smallish but viewed by Penguin management as fits.