Montreal Canadiens: Tomas Plekanec Still Going Strong in 22nd Pro Season

Montreal Canadiens centre Tomas Plekanec was a steady, reliable presence down the middle of the ice for the Habs for many seasons.

Though he was never the flashiest player or point per game scorer, but no one was more consistent or brought it at both ends of the ice for as long as Plekanec.

Plekanec’s pro career started way back in 2000-01 when he was just 18 years old and suited up for his hometown team in Kladno, Czech Republic.

Plekanec scored nine goals and 18 points in 47 games that season and would be drafted in the third round of the 2001 NHL Draft by the Canadiens. He played one more season in Kladno before moving to North America to suit up for the Hamilton Bulldogs. He would go on to play 1001 NHL games, all but 17 of them with the Canadiens.

Plekanec’s last NHL appearance was early in the 2018-19 season when he played just three games before announcing his retirement from the NHL. He certainly didn’t stop playing hockey though.

Plekanec has moved back to Kladno where he is now playing for the same team he suited up for in 2001. He will turn 39 in a month, but he is still providing plenty of offence for his native team. He has played eight games so far this season and scored two goals and seven points.

Last season, Plekanec was second on the team in scoring with 34 points in 33 games and his 17 points in 16 playoff games allowed Kladno to be promoted back up into the top Czech league this season after being relegated previously.

Plekanec has a familiar running mate on his wing as well. Jaromir Jagr, who will turn 50 during the season, is leading Kladno in points with eight in his first seven games.

Plekanec had a great career with the Canadiens organization and it is great to see he is still playing so well and helping his hometown team while approaching 40.