Plekanec re-signs, avoids arbitration

The Habs’ streak of avoiding salary arbitration
with their players will live to see another year after Tomas Plekanec signed a 1
year, $2.75 M contract with the team on Tuesday.  Although the Czech centre
struggled last season, he is only 2 seasons removed from a career high 69-point
campaign.

Unfortunately for the team, the one year pact means that Plekanec will be
eligible for unrestricted free agency after the 2009-10 season.  With Saku
Koivu off to Anaheim this coming season, Plekanec seems poised to entrench
himself as the 2nd line C this offseason, behind newly acquired Scott Gomez.

Despite his inconsistency last season, the 27 year old was one of only 3 players
to hit the 20-goal plateau in 2007-08 and has done so in each of the last 3
years.  By comparison, only Brian Gionta is the only other Hab on the
roster that has done so.

The signing now gives the Habs 46 players under contract, with the maximum being
50.  Matt D’Agostini and Gregory Stewart, both RFA’s, will bring them to 48
when signed.  As for the cap impact, look for a revised cap situation later
this afternoon.

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