R-Sport, the sports section of RIA, one of two biggest news agencies in Russia, is reporting that Czech defender Jakub Jerabek will sign a contract with the Montreal Canadiens once his current contract in the KHL expires.
“MOSCOW, April 26 – R-Sport. Czech defender of the Moscow region “Vityaz” Yakub Erzhabek will continue his career in the club of the National Hockey League (NHL) ” Montreal “, a source close to the situation told R-Sport agency.”
Jerabek has garnered interest from several clubs around the league.
This would be the first time the Canadiens dipped into the KHL waters for a defenceman, after signing Jiri Sekac and Alexander Radulov in previous season. Of course, the Canadiens have been rumoured in the hunt for players like Vadim Shipachyov, and were in the race for another Czech D, Michal Kempny, before he signed with the Chicago Blackhawks.
Jerabek is a left-handed shot, and a quick view of film will give you a slight Andrei Markov vibe. Jerabek, 25, had five goals and 29 assists (34 points) in 59 games for Vityaz Podolsk.
He added a goal and an assist in four playoff games. It was his first season in the KHL. His 34 points were good for fifth among KHL defencemen.
He has a solid all-around game, with the potential for offence and can run a power play.
He had five assists in eight games at last year’s World Hockey Championship where Habs forward Tomas Plekanec was captain.
Previous to that, he played in the Czech Extraliga, and had 99 points in 308 career games.
Thanks to @The_HockeyNinja for additional information on Jerabek. And to Igor Eronko for confirming the source of the report.
