Breaking: Canadiens elect to expose high-priced veteran

Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergervin isn’t afraid to make a bold move. Hockey fans saw that last offseason with the Shea Weber acquisition and then again earlier this week with the Jonathan Drouin acquisition. So, maybe it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Habs’ mastermind has another trick up his sleeves for the upcoming NHL Expansion Draft.

NHL insider Pierre LeBrun revealed the team’s protected list on social media this morning and it hints at a possible trade between them and the Vegas Golden Knights:

With Plekanec being made available, you have to wonder if Bergevin has plied Vegas GM George McPhee with draft picks or additional assets in order for the NHL’s newest franchise to take on his contract. The 34 year-old centerman has one season remaining on a contract that pays him $6 million annually. That’s a big chunk of change, especially for a team like the Habs who regularly spend to the limit and are in a constant battle to find cap relief.

In 78 games last season, Plekanec scored 10 goals and 28 points. A steep decline from him production of 14 goals and 54 points in 2015-16. Might this spell the end for him in Montreal?