Canadiens GM Bob Gainey usually doesn't talk contract with his players during the season but a case can be made to make an exception with Tomas Plekanec.

CYBERPRESSE.CA: Richard Labbe writes Montreal Canadiens general manager Bob Gainey should make an exception of his policy of not talking contract with players during the season and make an offer to second line center Tomas Plekanec. Labbe observes Plekanec is playing very well this season and is on pace for a 75-point season. Plekanec isn't concerned about his contract status for now, according to his agent.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: Plekanec will be a UFA next summer if the Habs fail to re-sign him and I doubt he'd be available for long. As for Gainey, if he does decide to break with tradition and start talking contract with Plekanec, it's unlikely to happen until mid-season at the earliest as that's when he and the rest of the league's general managers might have a good early indication of what next season's salary cap would be. Currently the Canadiens have over $45 million committed to 14 players for next season and Plekanec will seek more than his current $2.75 million and could seek in the neighborhood of $3.5-$4 million per.