Tomáš Plekanec
A cerebral Czech center who became the defensive heartbeat and enduring symbol of consistency for the Montreal Canadiens for over a decade.
Born 1982 (age 44)·Czech ice hockey player·Birthday: October 31·Millennials
Biography
Tomáš Plekanec arrived in Montreal not as a flashy draft pick, but as a project—a smart, two-way forward from the Czech Republic whose game was built on details rather than dazzle. With a relentless work ethic and a famously serious demeanor, he evolved into one of the NHL's most reliable and underrated centers. In an era of highlight-reel offense, Plekanec's value was in his quiet mastery of the game's darker arts: shutting down opposing stars, winning key faceoffs, and killing penalties with a blend of anticipation and grit. He became the Canadiens' indispensable middleman, often centering the team's top line while shouldering its toughest defensive assignments. For 15 seasons, through playoff runs and rebuilding years, his steady presence and trademark turtleneck made him a fixture and a fan favorite, embodying the workmanlike spirit of Montreal hockey.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Tomáš was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Tomáš Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Tomáš's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played over 1,000 regular season games in the NHL, the vast majority for the Montreal Canadiens.
- Recorded over 600 career points (goals and assists) as a premier two-way center.
- Represented the Czech Republic in multiple IIHF World Championships and the 2014 Winter Olympics.
- Served as an alternate captain for the Montreal Canadiens during his tenure.
Did You Know?
He was famously known for wearing a turtleneck under his hockey jersey during games.
He was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the third round (71st overall) of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.
He played a single season for the Toronto Maple Leafs before returning to Montreal to finish his NHL career.
He and his wife, former figure skater Lucie Šafářová, are both well-known athletes in the Czech Republic.
“I was never the biggest name, but I took pride in my defensive duties.”
