Plekanec announced the end of his playing career Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Plekanec scored a goal and two points in nine contests with Kladno of the Czech League this season before deciding to retire. Though the 40-year-old hasn't played in the NHL since 2018-19, he did amass 233 goals and 608 points in 1,001 career games at the top level, including 984 appearances with Montreal. At his height in 2009-10, Plekanec scored 25 goals and 70 points in 82 outings. He also appeared in 94 career playoff contests, scoring 18 goals and 53 points in that span.

Plekanec signed a one-year contract extension with HC Kometa Brno (Czech) on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

In 16 games last season, Plekanec notched seven helpers and 14 PIM, which was apparently enough for the club to want to bring him back for another year. At 36 years of age, the center is highly unlikely to make a return to the NHL and figures to close out his career overseas. Over the course of his 15-year career, Plekanec racked up 233 goals and 375 assists, including 64 power-play points, in 1,001 games primarily played with Montreal.

Plekanec inked a deal with Czech side HC Kometa Brno for the remainder of the 2018-19 campaign, Frank Seravalli of TSN.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

When Plekanec was waived by the Habs, it was expected the veteran center would head overseas to extend his playing career. The 36-year-old returns to his homeland for the first time since the 2012-13 lockout year, in which he played 32 games for Rytiri Kladno. In 1001 NHL contests, Plekanec racked up 233 goals, 375 assists and 543 PIM.

Plekanec has called it a career in the NHL and will seek to play another year or to in the Czech Republic, Arpon Basu of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran winger drew into just three games for the Canadiens this season and with his best days behind him, Plekanec will return home to finish out his career. The 36-year-old will finish his NHL career with 233 goals and 375 assists over 1,001 games, likely joining the Canadiens as a final tour to reach the 1,000-game milestone after spending most of his career with Montreal.

The Canadiens will place Plekanec (back) on unconditional waivers Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

According to this report, Plekanec and the Habs have mutually agreed to cut ties, which is interesting because the veteran center rejoined the club near the trade deadline last season after a 17-game stint with the Maple Leafs. Plekanec will become an unrestricted free agent once his contract is officially purchased by the club.

Plekanec (back) participated in Saturday's morning skate, Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Plekanec is on injured reserve and has missed the last seven games due to an ailing back. Coach Claude Julien said the injured center is feeling much better and will meet with doctors for an evaluation. Plekanec could be back on the active roster this coming week.

Plekanec (back) could miss several weeks of action, with Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports adding that the veteran center will be placed on injured reserve.

EDGE Analysis

Plekanec, unfortunately, will be sidelined for an extended period of time, likely donning his patented turtlenecks as a spectator for at least the next 10 games. Once a cant-miss fantasy commodity, Plekanec added six goals and 20 assists between the Habs and Buds last season, but the penalty-killing specialist is undeniably past his prime as a 35-year-old pivot. It's probably safe to drop Pleks considering how deep the center position is in fantasy hockey.

Plekanec is dealing with a lower-back injury that will prohibit him from traveling to Ottawa for Saturday's game.

EDGE Analysis

Plekanec logged a mere 10:46 of ice time in Wednesday's win over the Blues, but that was in line with his average through the first two games of the new season. He'll stay back and try to get into playing shape for Tuesday's home clash with the Flames.

Plekanec was in the active lineup Saturday, centering the fourth line in a 4-3 shootout win over Pittsburgh. He had four shots, one hit and won four of eight faceoffs while finishing minus-1 over 8:44 of ice time.

EDGE Analysis

Plekanec made his season debut Saturday, ostensibly to help the beleaguered Canadiens at the dot. Montreal entered the game last in the NHL, winning just 39.8 percent of its faceoffs. The 35-year-old Czech's next game will be the 1,000th of his career.

Plekanec skated on the fourth line at Friday's practice, Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Plekanec, who's been a healthy scratch the first three games, took the spot of Matthew Peca, who went 1-for-6 on faceoffs Thursday and has won just 33.3 percent of his draws. Coach Claude Julien wouldn't confirm that Plekanec will be in the lineup Saturday night against Pittsburgh, but with the team winning just 38 percent of its faceoffs, it might be time for the 35-year-old veteran to get into the active lineup.