As former Montreal Canadiens captain Shea Weber officially makes his way into the Hockey Hall of Fame this week, many are looking back on the imposing defenceman’s illustrious career.
Last suiting up for NHL action during Montreal’s unexpected run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, Weber was back on the ice this past weekend as part of the Legend’s Classic in Toronto. Looking back on the significant moments that defined his career, the Hall of Famer shared memories of being involved in the groundbreaking 2016 trade that saw him leave the Nashville Predators in exchange for PK Subban.
TONIGHT the Class of 2024 officially enters the Hockey Hall of Fame. Watch the Induction Celebration at 8:00pm EST on @TSN_Sports 4 & 5 + @NHLNetwork.#HHOF2024 | #HHOF pic.twitter.com/2sldM9z6HV
— Hockey Hall of Fame (@HockeyHallFame) November 11, 2024
“If I’m being honest, it was one of the saddest days of my career,” Weber recalled in a new interview with NHL.com. “The team that drafted you, named you captain… I put my heart on the line for the 11 years I was there, did everything I could to try to help that team win. At first sight, I saw the trade as the team not wanting me anymore, kicking me to the curb after everything I’ve done for them.”
While he wasn’t thrilled to be leaving the only team he’d ever known, Weber changed his tune when he thought about the rich history he was stepping into.
“As the day goes on, you realize you’re getting an opportunity somewhere else, in a great city like Montreal, with the history and all the (24) Stanley Cups,” he said. “Talking to people on the other (Canadiens) side, I got more excited and pumped up to go to a new team and help their cause, to get to the next level.”
He quickly found chemistry with his new teammates, especially Carey Price, who recently wrote a tribute to him for NHL.com. But like many new Canadiens acquisitions, Weber soon noticed the intensity of Montreal’s media presence was a stark change from what he was used to.
“Montreal was definitely different than Nashville,” Weber said. “The microscope that you’re under… When the Predators came to Montreal or Toronto, the dressing rooms were a lot more full than they were in Nashville when we had one or two reporters after a game. Definitely an adjustment period.”
Always a steady force, it didn’t take long for the Sicamous, BC, native to find his groove with the Canadiens, who named him captain in his third season.
“It was such a huge honour. To wear the ‘C’ in a city like Montreal with all the history it has, all the former captains before me, the names I’d look up and see in the dressing room, it’s hard to put into words what it meant,” he remarked.
With over 1,000 games played and 589 points in the bank, the blueliner, known best for his booming slapshot, is especially thankful for the warm fan reception he regularly received from the Habs faithful.
“The fans in Montreal — their passion is second to none for their sport. Welcoming me after the trade, making me feel comfortable, the cheers, the playoff run, the time we had in Montreal, I can’t say enough about the memories I’ll have in that city, all the good times we had.”
The 39-year-old will have a chance to bid them a proper “adieu” this Saturday when he’s celebrated at the Bell Centre and his likeness is unveiled in the Canadiens’ Ring of Honour.