A first-round pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets - 19th overall - back in 2013, Rychel amassed 30 points (10g - 20a) with the AHL's Toronto Marlies in 55 games this season.
In 37 career NHL games - all with Columbus - the 23-year-old Torrance, CA native has registered two goals and 12 points.
Rychel was the fifth leading point-getter on a Marlies squad that currently sits atop the AHL standings.
Valiev, meanwhile, was a third-round pick of the Maple Leafs in 2014. He collected 15 points (5g - 10a) in 40 games with the Marlies during the 2017-18 campaign.
The 22-year-old Russian rearguard has been held off the scoresheet in 10 career NHL games - all with the Maple Leafs during the 2015-16 season.
For his part, Plekanec made his NHL debut with the Habs in 2003-04 and had spent his entire career to date in Montreal, suiting up for 981 regular season games and amassing 232 goals, 373 assists and 605 points, in addition to posting a plus-57 differential.
The 35-year-old Czech centerman, who registered six goals and 24 points in 60 games this season, ranks seventh on the franchise's all-time games played list, 13th in assists and points, and 17th in goals.
A seven-time 20-goal scorer, Plekanec was also the last Canadiens player to record 70 or more points in a season, accomplishing the feat in 2009-10 with 25 goals and 45 assists.
