Montreal Canadiens: Making NHL debuts, Matthew Peca’s role, Plekanec bonuses

3) How many of those performance bonuses does Tomas Plekanec hit this season?

WS: Tomas Plekanec is beloved by most of the fanbase in Montreal however he doesn’t possess the same skill set he had when he was a 25-year-old playing at a high level. But as it stands right now, Plekanec is a nice fit on the fourth line with maybe potential as the third line center. Plekanec probably isn’t meeting all of his bonuses if any at all. However, as I said he is a heart and soul player for the Montreal Canadians and he will be beloved once again, but will not perform very well.

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ZC: It wouldn’t surprise me to see Plekanec hit every bonus in his contract this season, except the Habs making the playoffs. 10 goals OR 25 points is completely sustainable for Plekanec, even with a lesser role than in his past tenure with Montreal. Plekanec also has been relatively healthy for his career, knock on wood of course, so the games played bonuses of 30, 40 and 50 should work in his favor. Just really, don’t count on the playoffs bonus, you’re only fooling yourself.

KR: If there is a games played bonus I can see him getting that. Tomas has always been generally healthy and durable. Offensive bonuses? As glad as I am at seeing Plekanec in the blue, blanc et rouge and with a goatee again, his offense disappeared long ago. I think Dwayne Johnson was known more for the “People’s Elbow” than his box office smashing when Plekanec’s offense dried up. I think Gordon Ramsay was known more for Hell’s Kitchen than well…you get the idea. I like Plekanec, but I don’t expect much from him on the scoring front anymore.

OW: In total, Plekanec gets an additional $250,000 for playing 30, 40, and 50 games, putting up ten goals or 25 points, and if the Montreal Canadiens make the playoffs for the 2018-19 season. There’s a good chance the veteran hits five of the six. You’d be asking Plekanec to play at least 60% of the season which he has done throughout his career locking in $750,000.

The point totals may be tricky as Plekanec has seen his offensive production decrease, mostly in the last two years. He had 24 points in 60 games with the Habs and only added 2 more assists in his 17 games with the Leafs. Then again, that could change based on who Plekanec lines up with. There’s potential for him to add some helpers with Paul Byron and Nikita Scherbak for example. Not to mention the chance of getting a point or two shorthanded, most likely from a Byron breakaway.

The $250,000 bonus for making the playoffs looks to be the one furthest from Plekanec’s grasp. However, he believes the team can get back into playing games late in April. Does that happen? We’ll have to wait and see.