June 29, 2016 was a crazy day in the hockey world. Actually, it was a crazy few hours that left everyone with plenty to take in, discuss and debate for the next few months.
Shea Weber will forever be connected to that day as one of its central characters in the blockbuster trade involving the Nashville Predators and Montreal Canadiens. Weber was sent to the Habs, with P.K. Subban going to Nashville.
Habs general manager Marc Bergevin certainly took his share of criticism for trading away a very popular and dynamic player in Subban for a player in Weber who has been known to physically dominate a game from the blue line, blast a slap shot in excess of 100 miles per hour and capable of breaking through the net, and was turning 31 years old with a contract until 2026.
But Bergevin was steadfast in his belief in Weber, referring to him as a “tremendous leader” and a “proven player,” and that line of thinking remains in Montreal with only two months left in the regular season.
“He’s added a presence to our locker room that’s hard to miss,” Habs captain Max Pacioretty told FanRag Sports Network. “He had instant respect from the team because of his past, but even more so now because of the way he carries himself and the way he works.”
In 57 games played for Montreal, Weber has 13 goals and 32 points, with 18 of those points coming on the power play. He also leads all defenseman with more than 750 minutes played at five-on-five with a 1.24 goals-against per 60 minutes rating.
The Habs, with only three wins in their last 10 games, face the Boston Bruins on Sunday.