Canadiens' Tomas Plekanec Building Case for Extension

Canadiens’ Tomas Plekanec Building Case for Extension

Before the season began we wrote about how Tomas Plekanec is someone who finds himself at a crossroads. We explored what he meant to the team and how he and the Habs have to figure out whether they want to extend their relationship passed this season or part ways. It’s not an easy decision, particularly with his age and the cap era making things less clear than ever.

After Carey Price drew so many accolades to begin the season, Plekanec seemed annoyed with the fact that Habs forwards and defensemen seem to get very little credit for Habs wins. Well, he put his money where his mouth is this game as he scored twice and looked great throughout. What makes his goals impressive is how he scored them.

First, he scored both goals with Erik Karlsson watching. He admits to the first being a bit lucky:

"“I was a little lucky on the first goal,” Plekanec said. “I tried to surprise him a little bit and it worked the way I wanted to.”"

But he has to get credit for trying the shot to begin with and doing it right. It’s not that easy to get the puck to the left skate of a goalie as you’re skating away from a horrible angle with the Norris trophy winner trying to angle you away from the net.

Still, what was even more impressive was his second goal of the game.

I don’t care what you say about his age, but Tomas Plekanec proved on that play that he has ample legs left to be effective with the Habs for a long while yet. When you can block a shot from the best defenseman in the NHL, take off passed him and hold him off while scoring on a semi-breakaway, you’re probably worth decent investment.

Through 3 games, Plekanec has been outstanding throughout. He pestered opponents, he plays well on both ends of the ice and is particularly effective on the PK. His 11 shots are second on the team after line mate Max Pacioretty, he’s blocking shots and winning face-offs, and his 3 goals have helped the Habs to its 3-0 record. In short, he’s building the case for an extension, and Marc Bergevin has to be taking notice and working the numbers as I write this.

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Plekanec is costing the Habs $5,000,000 this season, which is a significant amount. He’ll be 33 years old at the end of the month (Oct.31st) and would therefore be playing his next contract from 34 years old onwards. The big questions are: how much cap space will he be worth in upcoming seasons, how many years is he looking to sign for, and will the Habs be interested in both of those numbers?

There is one last question which most of us can answer, and that’s whether or not the Habs want his contract situation to be a distraction as the Habs approach the playoffs. There’s little doubt that in a perfect world, things would be handled before the playoffs and the entire team could head into battle knowing exactly where they would land the following season. But, could it also be that Marc Bergevin and the Habs want to see him perform in the playoffs before signing him to a new contract?

After all, Plekanec hasn’t exactly performed like a star in the playoffs, something that has hindered his reputation a little. Last season is a good example, as he only managed 4 points in 12 games and was invisible for much of the playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The previous season was a little better, with 9 points in 17 games but he still wasn’t as effective as the Habs counted on overall.

Is there anything wrong with using a contract situation as a motivator? Would Plekanec play differently if he were under contract than if he wasn’t? We can’t answer that right now, but it’s certainly something to consider.

Tomas Plekanex is building the case for an extension, but he may still have to wait until the playoffs are over to reap the rewards of his efforts. All of the answers to the questions above are in the hands of Marc Bergevin and Plekanec’s agent. Regardless of what happens, you have to be impressed with his efforts so far.

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