Canadiens ink C Plekanec to two-year deal

Jul 5, 2007 - 9:16 PM MONTREAL (Ticker) - Tomas Plekanec's career season was rewarded by the Montreal Canadiens.

The Canadiens on Thursday signed the 24-year-old center to a two-year contract.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

In his second full NHL season, Plekanec established career best in numerous categories, including goals (20), assists (27), points (47) and power-play points (14) while appearing in a career-high 81 games.

"Tomas Plekanec proved to be one of our most consistent players last season," Canadiens general manager Bob Gainey said. "He established career highs in all categories and his defensive play was extremely efficient. He is young, dynamic and we strongly believe he is ready to take on more responsibilities with our club."

A third-round pick of the Canadiens in 2001, Plekanec has notched 29 goals and 76 points in 150 career games.

In other moves, Montreal signed center Cory Urquhart and free agent defenseman Marvin Degon to one-year contracts.

Urquhart, 22, had 17 points, including five goals, in 30 games with Hamilton of the American Hockey League last season. A second-round pick of the Canadiens in 2003, he also had 18 goals and 40 points with Cincinnati of the ECHL.

The 24-year-old Degon was a member of the New York Rangers organization this past year, recording eight points and 34 points in 71 games with Hartford of the AHL.