Habs Sign Tomas Plekanec to $12M Extension

It wasn’t long ago that we pondered whether or not Tomas Plekanec was going to be extended by the Habs, pointing to the fact that he was at a crossroads when it came to his contract. We polled fans within that article and 45% of you got it right, voicing your opinion that he would be extended by the Habs, something I also advocated and believed would happen.

Plekanec will make $7,000,000 next year ($6M Cap hit), and $5,000,000 in 2017-18 ($6M Cap hit). At an average cost of $6,000,000 per season, how does that compare to other players in the NHL?

SALARY COMPARISON

The following forwards make close to or exactly $7M this season:

Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin (both exactly $7M)
Paul Stastny ($7M)
Patrice Bergeron ($6.875M)
Phil Kessel ($6.8M)

AGE

Kessel is 28, Bergeron is 30, the Sedins are 35, and Stastny is 29. Plekanec is 32.

STATISTICAL COMPARISON

Here are some basic stat comparisons from last season.

Daniel Sedin: 76 pts, S% 8.8, FO% 40, CF% 52.7, FF% 52.9, PS 8.5
Henrik Sedin: 73 pts, S% 17.8, FO% 45.5, CF% 53.7. FF% 54.3, PS 8.1
Paul Stastny: 46 pts, S% 11.2, FO% 58.3, CF% 54.4, FF% 54.9, PS 4.9
Patrice Bergeron: 55 pts, S% 9.8, FO% 60.8, CF% 58.9, FF% 57.9, PS 6.4
Phil Kessel: 61 pts, S% 8.9, FO% 40, CF% 46.7, FF% 46.3, PS 5.9
Tomas Plekanec: 60 pts, S% 10.5, FO% 50.2, CF% 49.4, FF% 49.2, PS 7.5

When you look through all of the stats listed above, you can see that Plekanec has performed at a similar level as those he’ll be matching in salary next season. In particular, when you look at the Point Share and that only the Sedins are ahead of him, it points to the value he has for the Habs. So statistically speaking, this extension is very sound and well-worth the money.

Of the players listed above, none are available. If you look for this kind of player on the FA market, he doesn’t exist. These guys get extended and signed to long term deals, they don’t become free agents often.

The statistics we should also focus on are those that have Plekanec marching up the all-time leaders for the Habs. He’s played 766 games, just exceeded 500 points, and has a chance to be within the top 15 in most offensive categories before he ever leaves Montreal.

INTANGIBLES

The thing that many people overlook is the presence that Tomas Plekanec is within this team. He may not have received the Captaincy, but make no mistake, he’s one of the few leaders people look to when issues come up on this team. He’s earned and worn that role very well and deserves the credit that comes with it. As Michel Therrien stated about the deal:

"“I’m happy for Tomas. He’s grown up in the organization,” “He’s a real professional, and he’s a good example for young players. Tomas is very versatile. You need a player like him in your lineup. He’s very important for us.”"

Tomas Plekanec does the little things very well. From the way he handles the media, to the way he handles himself on the ice, he’s recognized as a respected and professional person. He now wears his heart on his sleeve more than ever, being more comfortable to do so in public light, and he is demanding more from this team as it matures and gains momentum. In short, Tomas Plekanec has outstanding intangibles that this team needs to continue its march towards a Stanley Cup.

THE PLAYOFFS

Oct 13, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Montreal Canadiens center Tomas Plekanec (14) celebrates a goal by left wing Max Pacioretty (not pictured) as Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) reacts during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

There’s one critique that I’ve heard which I can sympathize with when it comes to the tepidness of the new contract, and that’s his playoff performance. What I’d like to point out is that although he hasn’t been outstanding in the playoffs, it’s not because he wasn’t trying. Taking last year as an example, he won 51.6% of his face-offs against some of the best C, had a career playoff high of 17 hits, and attempted 62 shots over 12 games. He, and the rest of his line, just happened to run into really hot goaltending. As we get to see in Montreal very often with the play of Carey Price, a hot goaltender can hinder the best forward’s stats. I don’t think we can fault Tomas Plekanec for his output in the playoffs, although I will agree that better results would be preferential this year.

TOMAS PLEKANEC’S SIDE

The timing, amount, and length of this deal indicate just how dedicated Tomas Plekanec is to the Montreal Canadiens and its attempts to win a Stanley Cup. Not only did he accept a deal that is much shorter than what he would have been offered on the FA market, but the amount is likely a lot less as well. By signing early, he passed up a chance to see exactly what he was worth on the market, and instead decided to sign on the dotted line and ensure he stayed in Montreal’s plans going forward. As a Habs fan you have to love him for agreeing to this deal.

There was no need for him to concede on so many points, yet he did so and showed his love for Montreal and this team as a result. Not only did he concede on many points, but he never even demanded a no-trade clause, something most of the stars demand when signing new contracts.

OVERALL

The Habs and Marc Bergevin know very well what Tomas Plekanec means to the Montreal Canadiens. They know his leadership attributes, his 2-way skills which may be the best on the team, and the potential he has to play at a very high level over the next 3 years. The fact that they were able to get a short-term deal done which minimized risk overall is outstanding. If anyone has an issue with this deal, they’re not looking at the big picture effectively.

With their top line fully locked up for the next 3 years, the Montreal Canadiens know they have a line they can count on to lead the way. The Habs still have more than $5M coming off the books net year as Tom Gilbert and others become FAs, and so this deal doesn’t hinder their ability to sign others. What they do have is a 3-year window when they know they can repeatedly make really strong attempts at winning the Stanley Cup.

If you can’t be satisfied with this kind of effort from the Habs and their GM, and to the commitment signing a short contract shows on the part of Tomas Plekanec, you have to be one of the toughest people to please. Looking at this deal with clear eyes, you should thank both sides for getting it done and getting it done early on in the season before it became a distraction.

This is a great deal for both sides, and I’m truly ecstatic to see the relationship between Montreal and Tomas Plekanec continue.

What about you? How do you feel about this signing by Marc Bergevin?