The Montreal Canadiens have re-signed center Tomas Plekanec to a two-year, $12 million contract extension effective 2016-17.
Canadiens re-sign Tomas Plekanec to a two-year extension.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Plekanec, 32, was eligible for unrestricted free agency next July. Though his annual cap hit will be $6 million, he’ll earn $7 million next season and $5 million in 2017-18. Overall, this is a win for both sides. Plekanec gets an extension with a reasonable pay raise to stay in Montreal, while the Canadiens didn’t overspend to retain a key veteran.
Plekanec has consistently been one of the Canadiens’ best forwards for years, and is off to another good start with four goals in his first five games to this campaign. His age, however, is a concern, as he’s approaching the stage where a player’s skills and performance begins to decline.
The Habs didn’t want to invest too long in a player whose best season could be behind him within the next couple of years. This deal fits nicely under their salary cap for next season, leaving more than enough room to re-sign other players or other potential UFA signings.
I’m a HUGE Pleks fan, but this seems a touch pricey considering the cap may stagnate.
I think a big part of the somewhat high $$$ value is that there is reportedly NO NMC or no-trade on this. Pleks gets $$, Habs get flexibility, and a short-term contract. Pretty good deal for both.
Well said. I feel the same way, the only difference and my concern would be the actual dollars of next year 7 mill with a cap hit of 6 if they did decide to move him may actually act as a bit of a no trade clause. We see it again and again around the league with lower budget teams not really loving the idea of paying guys more than their cap hit could limit destinations… All in allvery good deal for both tho.
well it will be 7 million for the first year and 5 million for the second year. It would only make sense to trade him in the second year as they would get more because it would allow teams to better afford him during the deadline as they would not have to budget for another year. Also the salary they would pay would be slightly less in the second year. I dont see the issue.
I agree, I would have giving 5mill a year but an extra mill is nothing seeing how they can trade him. Which I think they would try to do in putting him a package deal for an upgrade. He is a great 2 Centre but can do anything that is asked and I would trade him plus in order to get Roman josi cause I think habs will go hard on Stamkos in off season. Stamkos would be smart to go to Habs and him with josi will bring the cup home