The Montreal Canadiens are bringing back forward Tomas Plekanec, general manager Bob Gainey announced on Tuesday. Plekanec agreed to a one-year deal to avoid an arbitration hearing with the Canadiens scheduled for July 30. As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Plekanec, 26, opted for salary arbitration on July 5 after completing his fifth season in Montreal. He scored 20 goals and added 19 assists for 39 points in 80 games, tallying his third consecutive 20-goal season.
Since making his NHL debut during the 2003-04 season, Plekanec has totaled 184 points (78 goals, 106 assists) in 311 regular season games. He has also scored four goals and nine assists for 13 points in 21 postseason games.
