Tomas Plekanec has recently returned to play hockey where his professional career
started – in his hometown of Kladno, Czech Republic – due to the NHL
owners’ lockout currently being in place. Tomas signed with the Kladno
Knights who are a member of the Czech Extraliga and owned by fellow
NHLPA member, Jaromír Jágr. Since signing with the team, Tomas has
recorded 7 points (3G, 4A) in his first three games. With excellent
speed and playmaking abilities, Tomas has been a valuable member of the
Montreal Canadiens for the past seven seasons, recording 363 points in
551 games, including six, 20+ goal seasons. Known as one of the best
faceoff-men in the business,
his offensive abilities are complimented by his penalty killing and
defensive zone presence, making him an invaluable piece of the Habs
puzzle and a great asset to any team he suits up for.
Internationally,
Tomas has represented the Czech Republic on numerous occasions, helping
the central European nation bring home some hardware in the process. He
has been a key member of six Czech world championship squads, earning a
silver medal (2006) along with two bronze medals (2011, 2012) during
that span. Tomas was also a member of the Czech team for the 2010
Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Tomas, along with Jágr and Jiří Tlustý
round of a contingent of locked-out NHL players who will suit up for
Kladno in front of the passionate fans in their home country until a
fair agreement is reached.
Had a career best 70 points (25G, 45A) during the 2009-10 season
Recorded his 300th career NHL point against the Buffalo Sabres on February 15th, 2011
BIOGRAPHY:
Born in Kladno, Czech Republic on October 31, 1982
Drafted in the 3rd round, 71st overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft
Played two full seasons of junior hockey in his home town before joining the Canadiens system in the 2002-03 season