The Toronto Maple Leafs announced that the hockey club has acquired forwards Tomas Plekanec and Kyle Baun from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Rinat Valiev, Kerby Rychel and Toronto’s second round draft pick in 2018.
Plekanec, 35, has skated in 60 games with the Canadiens this season, registering 24 points (6 goals, 18 assists). The Kladno, Czech Republic native has played in 981 career NHL regular season games, collecting 605 points (232 goals, 373 assists). Plekanec has also appeared in 87 NHL post- season games, registering 49 points (16 goals, 33 assists). Plekanec was originally drafted in the 3rd round (71st overall) by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.
Baun, 25, has played in 54 games with the Laval Rocket this season, collecting 16 points (4 goals, 12 assists). The Toronto, ON native has 59 points (19 goals, 40 assists) in 171 AHL regular season games. Toronto holds seven picks in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.
Pierre LeBrun: The Canadiens will be retaining 50 percent of Plekanec’s salary.
The 35-year old Plekanec was drafted 71st overall in the 3rd round of the 2001 draft by the Canadiens. The pending UFA carries a $6 million salary cap hit.
The 25-year old Baun was undrafted and carries a $625,000 cap hit.
The 22-year old Valiev was drafted 68th overall in the 3rd round of the 2014 draft by the Maple Leafs. He carries a $788,333 cap hit.
The 23-year old Rychel was drafted 19th overall in the 1st round by the Blue Jackets. He carries a $863,333 cap hit.
Eric Engels: “Tomas Plekanec wanted to stay in the Eastern Conference if he was going to move. He had no trade protection, but Marc Bergevin worked on finding a solution he’d be happy with. An extension was discussed, and parameters are there for him to return to MTL this summer.”
Eric Engels: “Would think because this worked out well for both parties, it might happen. The Winnipeg Jets had an equitable deal on the table for Plek, but Bergevin continued to work on this to try to make him happy. In the end, a very good return for the Habs, especially if he comes back.”
Eric Engels: “Plekanec did not want to go West, no matter who was looking at him there.”