As previously rumored, the Montreal Canadiens have signed Jakub Jerabek to a one-year, entry-level deal. The contract will be for 2017-18, and is worth the maximum of $925K (including signing bonuses) after which the Czech defender will become an unrestricted free agent. The deal also contains no performance bonuses. Jerabek will compete for a role on the Montreal blueline after impressing in his first season of play in the KHL, where he scored 34 points in 59 games.
Jerabek is another example of the overlooked undersized defenseman, as he went undrafted despite some impressive showings at the World Juniors years ago. He played parts of eight seasons in the top Czech league before heading to the KHL this year, debuting in his home country at just 17. Currently at the World Championships, Jerabek has worn the captain’s “C” for his country in the past and competes regularly for them on the international stage.
Soon to be 26, Jerabek could only sign a one-year entry-level deal with the team though immediately becomes a candidate for a longer extension should the two sides find some common ground. His effectiveness at the NHL level will determine his future though, as he remains no guarantee for success at this level. Just 5″11, Jerabek doesn’t have the size that usually accompanies NHL defenders but brings an excellent combination of skating and puck skills. The fact that he was able to transition so smoothly into the KHL is impressive, even earning All-Star honors in his first year.
For Montreal, who may be saying goodbye to long-time defender Andrei Markov—despite his inclination to re-sign with the team—Jerabek could slide into a similar role playing on the powerplay and skating alongside Jeff Petry. For a team that will spend much of their summer trying to address their offensive needs, Jerabek provides much of that from the back-end.
Pierre LeBrun of TSN provided the details on the contract, including the note that it has no performance bonuses.