Beloved Montreal Canadiens Centre Officially Hangs Up The Skates

In 15 seasons, he played over 1,000 games in the NHL, all but 17 of those with the Montreal Canadiens. After spending the final 4+ years of his career in his native Czech Republic, injuries have now forced 40-year-old Tomáš Plekanec to retire. 

Tomáš Plekanec retired

After health problems he is not able to finish this season, so he decided to end his playing career in his native Kladno.

👏@TomasPleky14 🔵🔴⚪️@AZadarski @EricEngels @ArponBasu @Dave_Stubbs @StuCowan1 @MAGodin @TonyMarinaro pic.twitter.com/OBaVa5MYBc

— Matěj Hejda (@matej_hejda33) October 28, 2023

He last played in the NHL in 2019.

Plakanec had seven 20-goal seasons with the Habs, his first coming back in 2005.  

First NHL 🚨

Riberio (71) ➡️ Plekanec (35)

In Bell Center against Leafs💪 pic.twitter.com/qodrhpXRSH

— Matěj Hejda (@matej_hejda33) October 28, 2023

The only 17 games that he didn't spend with Montreal came after he was traded to arch-rival Toronto Maple Leafs in 2018. But he returned to finish his NHL run back with the Habs the following season, for three games. 

Overall, in 1,001 NHL games, he posted 233 goals and 375 assists for 608 points in about 18 minutes per night. The two-way centre also finished with a solid plus-55.  

Photo: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports