Habster’s take:
Tomas Plekanec has signed a two-year/ $3.2 million dollar deal. The contract will average out to $1.6 million a season and will pay the 24-year old $1.4 million next season and $1.8 million for 2008-09.
Looks like Bob Gainey isn’t wasting any time but I believe he probably already signed/negotiated with these players before Tuesday’s press conference. With the exception of Mathieu Biron (who has an outside chance to make the Habs) and Tomas Plekanec, the rest of these players will occupy important roster positions with the Hamilton Bulldogs or the Cincinnati Cyclones. Michael Ryder’s situation will most likely go to arbitration due to the differences in salary offers.
I’ve read that Marvin Degon is good all around defenseman. Excellent skater who can and will rush the puck. Has offensive upside and collected 34 points(G-8 A-26) in 71 games with Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL.
Here are some other stories from canadiens.com:

http://www.canadiens.com/eng/news/redirect.cfm?sectionID=habsNewsDetails.cfm&newsItemID=6012

http://www.canadiens.com/eng/news/redirect.cfm?sectionID=habsNewsDetails.cfm&newsItemID=6010

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=682&hubname=nhl-canadiens