by Corey Desormeaux , Managing Editor, All Habs Hockey Magazine
OTTAWA, ON. — When drafted in the third round by the Montreal Canadiens, not many people knew much about Tomas Plekanec or what to expect. He played his entire junior career in his homeland of Czech Republic, played an additional year there after being drafted then moved to North America to play in the AHL for the Hamilton Bulldogs.
After playing two NHL games in 2003-04, Plekanec had to wait until after the lockout year to solidify himself as a full-time NHLer. And that’s exactly what he did. Now, every Habs fan, and hater, recognizes the turtleneck, the way he uses his snap shot through a defenceman’s legs on the rush and his undeniable talent at both ends of the ice.
To me, Tomas has always been an interesting character. I don’t know Plekanec personally, in fact, I don’t know any player personally, but the Canadiens organization, modern media and social media give us insight into players and who they are as people.
For a guy like myself, who follows the Habs close, I honestly don’t know much about Tomas. He stays out of the spotlight when he’s off the ice and it’s so rare that he shows a glimpse of his character in interviews. I know he’s quiet and reserved, a family man and a hockey player. But as a fan, I don’t need to know more than that. Thomas does his job each and every night and he does it well.
That’s all you and I need to know.
To me, headed into his eleventh NHL season with the Habs, he is Mr. Reliable.
Plekanec has always led by example on and off the ice. His preparation is professional, rarely missing time. He’s perhaps the most responsible player on the Canadiens at both ends and one of the most underrated players in the league. Tomas does all that is asked of him, playing in all situations.
Throughout the 2014-15 season, Plekanec averaged 1.88 TOI per 60 minutes on the penalty kill. That’s more than any forward with at least 60 games for the Habs. On the power-play, Plekanec was sixth amongst forwards in TOI per 60 minutes, yet he managed to lead all forwards in power-play points with 15 and tied Max Pacioretty for the most goals with seven.
At even strength, Tomas tied Brendan Gallagher for second in points (33) amongst all Canadiens forwards. He achieved this despite much less favourable deployment than Gallagher and Pacioretty and inconsistent linemates.
I, for one, am not surprised, and you shouldn’t be either. Tomas has been a contributor throughout his entire career amassing 20 goals in seven of 10 NHL seasons. In his last three seasons, excluding the lockout-shortened season, Plekanec has over 20 first assists in each of them. His individual points percentage (IPP) at even strength in each of those three seasons was over 70 per cent. To put that into perspective, David Desharnais has never hit 70 per cent in his career, in fact his IPP was 58.5 per cent last season.
Plekanec has seen the playoffs eight times. In four of those campaigns Plekanec played at least 12 games playing a prominent role offensively and defensively. Plekanec has 46 points in 81 career playoff games.
Tomas is known as a silent leader. He’s worn the CH proudly, understands the history of the organization and has continuously earned the respect of his teammates, coaches and the administration serving as an alternate captain for several years. Brian Gionta, who is well respected around the NHL endorsed Tomas Plekanec as the next captain of the Canadiens as he left the position vacant via free agency. It’s been vacant since that time.
Post-Kovalev, Plekanec hasn’t had much consistency when it comes to linemates. His offensive numbers are better than Desharnais’, but it’s his defensive abilities that keep him away from top-line minutes and deployment. Never do you hear Plekanec complain about his role or his use.
What more do you want from a hockey player?
Plekanec’s future with the Canadiens is uncertain as he heads into a contract year. The Habs have developed Lars Eller into the primary defensive centreman on the team, Desharnais is attached to Pacioretty’s hip and Alex Galchenyuk’s eventual move to centre is looming. Plekanec may be the odd-man out come the expiration of his contract, and although this upsets me, it may be an inevitable reality.
At 32, Mr. Reliable may be slowing down and there’s no question that his best years are likely behind him. Despite that, if the end of Plekanec in Montreal is near, we will be losing one hell of a special player.
What’s your favourite Tomas Plekanec moment?