Shea Weber News
Weber was a surprise scratch on Friday and is expected to miss his second straight game on Saturday. Erik Gustafsson replaced him last night but it looks like Brett Kulak will replace him on Saturday.
According to Nick Kypreos, Weber's season is likely over and his future is in question. The injury is reportedly related to his foot that was surgically repaired in 2018 and could require further surgery.
Weber will not play Monday vs. the Coyotes, won't travel on their brief two-game road trip (@BOS and @PIT) and is doubtful to play vs. the Stars when they return home on Saturday. So far, so good without Weber though, the Habs have gone 2-0 with two OT victories without their captain.
Weber missed Wednesday's practice and when head coach Claude Julien met with the media this morning he announced that Weber will go on IR, meaning he misses at least one week. With Weber out, the Canadiens have recalled Xavier Ouellet from Laval (AHL).
Weber missed Monday's practice and Tuesday's morning skate but head coach Claude Julien still expects him to play vs. the Blue Jackets. This is great news for Montreal because Weber has been scorching hot as of late, scoring five goals with six assists (11 points) in his last 11 games while playing 22:46 ATOI.
Weber was hit in the face by a Mikael Granlund shot in the first period of Monday’s game. Weber ended up returning to the ice during the first but did not come back out for the second period. However, an X-ray showed no fracture to his cheek, so Weber is expected to play on Tuesday.
Weber missed the first 24 games of the season but will make his debut vs. the Hurricanes on Tuesday. Weber will be back on the top pair and top power-play unit, which gives him immediate fantasy value. Weber is now 33-years-old but still owns a huge point shot. He had six goals and 16 points in 26 games last season, showcasing he can still be a double-digit goal-scorer with 20-plus assists if he stays healthy this season.
Canadiens head coach Claude Julien said that if things continue as they are, Weber could return next Tuesday vs. the Hurricanes. After Friday, Weber will have missed the first 23 games of the season after undergoing surgery in early-July. Weber had 16 points (6G / 10A) in 26 games last season, giving him 58 points (23G / 35A) in 104 games in two years with Montreal.
Weber has been out since mid-December and his season officially ended on Tuesday as he underwent surgery to repair tendons in his left foot. Weber’s six-month timetable should allow him to join the Canadiens for training camp next season, as long as his rehab goes well.
Weber recently began skating on his own, but is yet to return to practice. He has been out since December 16th and remains without a timetable for his return.
Weber has been out for nearly two months with a foot injury but returned to the ice on Wednesday morning. This is obviously the next step in Weber’s recovery but he remains without a timetable for his return to the lineup.