Bergevin: Shea Weber ‘Longshot’ To Ever Play In NHL Again

Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Tough news got even tougher for a struggling Montreal Canadiens team.

In a Wednesday morning press conference following a tough 0-4 start to the season, Habs GM Marc Bergevin said it would be a “longshot” for defenseman Shea Weber to ever play in the NHL again.

Weber, 36, was placed on long-term injured reserve this year while rehabbing thumb, knee, foot, and ankle injuries that ailed him for years. According to the Montreal Gazette, Weber is splitting time between his home in Kelowna, B.C., and Montreal.

Drafted by the Nashville Predators in the 2nd round of the 2003 draft, Weber established himself as one of the best defensemen in the last two decades in the league. He played 11 seasons in Nashville scoring 166 goals and 443 points where he was named a four-time NHL all-star.

In 2016, the Canadiens acquired him in a blockbuster deal for P.K. Subban. While he never has played a full season, he continued to be a rock for the Habs’ blue line. In 275 games over five years in the red and blue, Weber has scored 58 goals and 146 points.

Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.