Just days after playing in his 1,000th career NHL game on Saturday and then being honored for the accomplishment on Wednesday, Tomas Plekanec may not suit again for the Canadiens for a while.
On Friday, Montreal announced the veteran center has a lower back injury and could miss several weeks.
Medical update: Tomas Plekanec (lower back injury) will not make the trip to Ottawa. David Schlemko (knee) and Shea Weber (knee) will also remain in Montreal to continue their rehab program.
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) October 19, 2018
Claude Julien says that Tomas Plekanec could be out several weeks.
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) October 19, 2018
The news comes at a bad time for Plekanec, who had found his way back into the lineup for the last three games after starting the season a healthy scratch. On Wednesday, he played almost 11 minutes, saw time on special teams and had a team-high 55 win-percentage in the faceoff circle. His lone goal of the season came in Monday's win over the Red Wings — his 1,000th career game.
Drafted by the Canadiens in 2001, the fan favorite has spent the majority of his career with the organization. Following a trade to the Maple Leafs this past February, the 15-year veteran signed a one-year, $2.25 million contract to return to the Canadiens.