NHL
Shea Weber expected to miss 5-6 months
The Montreal Canadiens have been dealing their players as of late. In addition, it seems that no one wants to join that squad as John Tavares rejected a meeting with Montreal before signing with Toronto. However, another huge blow to the organization occurred. Defenseman Shea Weber is expected to miss 5-6 months due to surgery on a torn meniscal in his right knee. Additionally, Weber missed most of last season due to a foot injury, which also needed surgical repair.
Shea Weber was acquired through a blockbuster trade with the Nashville Predators that sent Weber to Montreal in exchange for P.K. Subban on June 29, 2016. The trade has been paying dividends for Nashville as P.K. Subban has had a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2016, notching 99 points with his time in Nashville. In addition, Subban was recently put on the cover of NHL 19. Unfortunately, Montreal seems as if they got the bad end of the deal as Weber has yet to play a full season with the Canadiens. Additionally, Weber has only played in six playoff games with the Habs, collecting three points in those games.
In two years with Montreal, Shea Weber has racked up 58 points. He finished his first season with Montreal with a +20 rating but finished last season with a -8 rating. Weber was expected to improve next season, but he will continue to be absent from the lineup until at least December.
Can Montreal turn it around?
Assuming Montreal has a good start, Weber’s return in the lineup can continue a good run. Weber has always been a reliable and versatile defenseman both in Montreal and in Nashville. In addition, Weber has great leadership qualities as he was the captain for Nashville before being traded. Veteran leadership may be needed if Montreal wants to go back to the promise land that is the postseason.
