Recrutes

Recrutes: Hockey scouting from a professional perspective from Grant McCagg and Habs coverage from a 33 year veteran covering the NHL from Brian Wilde.

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McLean’s Pub Call Of The Wilde: TurtlePlek To Toronto

February 25, 2018

By Brian Wilde

Tomas Plekanec didn’t make it to 1000 games with the Montreal Canadiens this year, but the door remains open to hit the number in the off-season back with Montreal which Recrutes has learned is a possibility. For now though, let’s assess the trade that sees Plekanec with an opportunity to make a cup run with the Maple Leafs who are headed for a showdown with the Bruins and who also beat Boston in a head to head last night. Plekanec is exactly what the Leafs need down the middle considering what the Bruins also bring down the middle.

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About Brian Wilde

Brian Wilde has worked in hockey since he was 20. He was the rink side host for the Edmonton Oilers at CTV and Ottawa Senators for Sportsnet. He was also lead reporter on the Montreal Canadiens for 17 years at CTV Montreal.

View all posts by Brian Wilde

  • Anthony Di Domizio says

    There’s a typo up there. “Rerutes”

    Otherwise, I like (and agree) with the analysis here.
    It’s very similar to the Wiese/Fleischmann deal that returned a 2nd and Danault (a roster player)

    Toronto gets the center depth they wanted. Maybe they unload Bozak to recuperate some of what they traded. I don’t think Plekanec will be of much help against the Bruins, who look poised to go on a good run.

  • habz24 says

    Plek for a 2nd would be good,so a few unproven stragglers as throw ins is a no brainer. Ok marc 1-1

  • Bertrand Richer says

    Yes nice article but Plekanec’s deal was two years at 6M per season. Signed in November I believe of the infamous Price and injury season. He had lost an opportunity that year to get something of value in return. However, like you said a weird silver lining gave Bergevin another shot and Bravo great return! Thank you for your work Recrutes always interesting.

  • Scott Murray says

    I cannot believe Lou made him shave his excessively neatly trimmed trademark goatee. What is this? The ’83 Cubs???

  • Ralph Segreto says

    “So here we have two more fishing expeditions for the man whose MO is to go fishing and see if he can bring in the big catch.”

    A recurring theme is that these guys “could be a bottom line winger who can score a few goals”. Anyone who can breathe in a GM’s job can do that. It’s getting that impact player that has eluded Bergevin for 6 years that is the problem and it appears he’s either unwilling to take the risk needed to acquire such a player, or unwilling to pay the price. In either case, he has failed the team for 6 years. Perhaps the fact Pacioretty was not traded is an indication that Bergevin is under some type of constraint. We can only hope.