Montrealers got their first in-person look at their new number one defenceman as Shea Weber made an appearance at Canadiens coach Michel Therrien’s charity golf tournament on Tuesday morning.
Weber was acquired in a one-for-one deal for PK Subban in late June, just days before the opening of free agency. While the loquacious Subban was a fan favourite for both his flashy play on the ice and larger than life personality off of it, Weber said he wasn’t worried about living in his shadow.
“I’m not one to follow that kind of stuff,” he said. “I understand that PK is a very popular player here and the fans are very passionate so hopefully I can come here and help this team win. That’s the bottom line, winning games.”
Like Subban, Weber will sport an ‘A’ on his jersey as an alternate captain, an unexpected but not unwelcome honour for the former Nashville Predators captain.
“It means a lot. I wasn’t expecting that at all, being new to the team,” he said. I’m very grateful.”
He said the prospect of playing for an original six team “sends chills down your spine… it’s a surreal feeling.
“It’s exciting to be back in Canada, let alone the Mecca of hockey,” he said. “The place where people just eat, breathe and sleep hockey. It’s going to be something new but I’m definitely looking forward to it.”
The new Canadien has started getting to know his teammates. He trained in the offseason with Carey Price and said he learned a lot about Montreal over a recent dinner with the goalie and his wife. He’s also spoken with captain Max Pacioretty and expressed excitement over reconnecting with former Nashville teammate Alexander Radulov, who signed a one-year contact on the opening day of free agency.
Radulov left Nashville to play in the KHL after repeated run-ins with management, including missing curfew the night before a playoff game.
“I talked to him probably three weeks ago, maybe a month ago now and he’s looking forward to it, he’s very excited,” said Weber. “I know he’s got a family now, so hopefully he’s here for the right reasons. He’s a guy who can make a difference, he’s a game-breaker and playing with him, you know he’s a top-end talent and definitely a good piece for our team.”
Pacioretty welcomed the leadership and experience Weber and fellow new addition Andrew Shaw bring to the team.
"Shea in particular is, in my opinion, one of the best leaders in the league," said Pacioretty. "I've heard that from a lot of players who have both played with him and played against him."
