Tomas Plekanec provided loyal service to the Montreal Canadiens for over 15 years. The native of Kladno, Czech Republic, was a part of many battles with the team, even reaching the milestone of playing his 1000th game with the Canadiens.
Indeed, Marc Bergevin granted him a one-season contract so that he could play his 1000th game in Montreal. Once this achievement was accomplished, they mutually agreed to terminate the contract, and Plekanec returned to the Czech Republic to play alongside Jaromir Jagr.
Now at the age of 40, it was hoped that he could defy the odds and play for a few more years. However, health issues started to significantly slow him down. Eventually, he had to face the reality, and he has just announced his retirement from professional hockey.
In 1001 NHL games, he accumulated 608 points, including 233 goals. The only blemish on his career is his brief stint in Toronto, which lasted 17 games for just two points.