Despite the Montreal Canadiens going through a difficult year, defenceman Shea Weber is having one of the more productive seasons in his extremely impressive career. The 34-year-old rearguard has amassed 12 goals and 33 points in just 51 games so far this season. What makes this even more impressive is the fact that Montreal ranks just 17th in the league with 157 goals on the year.
Although Montreal fans love Weber now, it wasn't always this way. Despite Weber's impressive resume, he had to win Habs fans over after being dealt to the team in a controversial move for fan favorite P.K. Subban. Things certainly didn't start off great for Weber, who was limited to just 26 and 58 games over the first two seasons with his new team due to injuries. Given the defenceman's age, it was certainly a cause for concern that his body may be breaking down on him.
This season has been much different. Weber looks like the elite player he was for so many years past. He has been able to remain healthy while maintaining his well-known mean streak, along with his league feared slapshot which was on display during this year's All-Star festivities. The All-Star Game was Weber's seventh time attending the event, and he certainly did not disappoint as he won the hardest shot event for the fourth time in his career, with a blistering 106.5 miles per hour bomb.
What was once viewed as an extremely lopsided trade is certainly not looked at as such anymore. In fact, with Subban since being traded from the Nashville Predators to the New Jersey Devils and struggling immensely this year, it could be argued that Montreal ended up winning the deal. When asked at the All-Star how he's able to maintain such a high level of play, Weber certainly didn't want to pump his own tires.
“I don't know, to be honest. Dedication to training and preparation. Every year I prepare for the season. I've had some tough injuries the last couple of years, but I think I've worked hard to come back from those. I think that… I don't like talking about myself. It's just the hard work and dedication that comes with anything.”
Other plays in the league are certainly aware of how dominating Weber is as well. In a recent player survey, Weber came second in votes for the “best defensive defenceman” category. The only player who finished with more was Tampa Bay Lightning's Victor Hedman.
“He's a beast,” said New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider. “He's still hammering the puck. He still moves incredibly well. He's still stronger than an ox.”
Unfortunately for Weber, his strong play has not helped the Canadiens much in the standings. The team currently sits 10 points out of a playoff spot, which isn't an impossible task to battle back from, but seems highly unlikely. His play certainly is welcomed by Montreal fans however, as he appears to be back to his old self as an elite NHL defenceman. Considering the amount of time and effort he puts into his craft, it doesn't seem unreasonable to think that Weber still has a few more seasons of elite level play left to give.
