The P.K. Subban for Shea Weber trade has created a little (OK, a lot) of buzz around NHL circles and it seems like you can’t be on the fence with this one. Either you like Subban or you prefer Weber.
The analytics community believes Subban is the better player, while many “old school” hockey minds believe Shea Weber’s ferociousness and goal total sets him apart. But how do current NHLers feel?
We know that Jonathan Toews is glad that Weber’s going to the Eastern Conference and it sounds like another young star feels the same way.
During an interview with Sportsnet 590 The Fan, Jets forward Mark Scheifele made it clear who he’d take on his team if he had the choice.
“Personally, I would take Shea Weber on my team,” admitted Scheifele, per Sportsnet. “I’ve played against Shea Weber more. Being in the West, we only got to see P.K. twice this season. Being in Weber’s conference, I got to see him a lot.”
Why does Scheifele think so highly of the Canadiens’ newest defenseman?
“He’s just so strong. He can control a game. First off, his physicality is a huge asset of his. Every time he touches you, it feels like your bones are gonna crack- which is definitely a tough thing to deal with. He’s just a competitor.”
Scheifele is no slouch. The 23-year-old scored 29 goals in 71 games this season and one of those goals came at Subban’s expense.
There’s no doubt that Subban’s giveaways can be “flashy” at times and the above goal probably plays a small factor in shaping Scheifele’s opinion.
One thing is for sure, Scheifele and Subban will be seeing more of each other in the future.