The Montreal Canadiens have traded Tomas Plekanec and Kyle Baun to the Toronto Maple Leafs for a 2018 2nd round pick, Rinat Valiev, and Kerby Rychel.
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.”
Tomas Plekanec
Kyle Baun
Rinat Valiev
Kerby Rychel