Hockey Hall Of Fame Member Shea Weber Has Been Ranked among NHL's 100 Defensive Men Ever

Vol 73, No. 112 Longtime Nashville Predators and Montreal Canadiens defenseman Shea Weber will be honored Monday evening when he’s officially honored into the Hockey Hall of Fame, further solidifying his place among hockey history. Ryan Kennedy profiled Weber’s amazing career, which earned him 45th overall ranking on this special Top 100 Defensemen Of All Time issue by The Hockey News (Volume 73 Issue 10). (This is our regular reminder: For access to The Hockey News Archive and subscription options for The Hockey News magazine. )Weber played 1,038 regular season NHL games from 2004-13, tallying 589 points over that span – 367 assists and 261 goals! Weber became one of the youngest members to enter the Hockey Hall of Fame, an accolade which speaks volumes of his prodigious skill at such a young age and lasting impact both with Nashville and Montreal. Although Weber came close to winning Stanley Cup championship with Montreal during 2021 season after this special edition issue was issued, he remains among one of history’s more decorated blueliners. Predators and Canadiens fans alike will fondly remember Weber. Read his original story below with updated stats at the start. Note that his contract currently extends until July of 2026 with Utah Hockey Club (UHC). Montreal traded Shea Weber to the Vegas Golden Knights, who in turn traded him on to Arizona Coyotes after only playing NHL games for Nashville and Montreal respectively. He currently remains as one of their Top Defenders with No. 42 being added on as his replacement this season. Shea Weber by Ryan KennedyBorn in Sicamous, B.C.NHL Career from 2006-2021Teams NSH and MTLStats:GP 1,038, G 224 A 365 P 589 A PIM 714All-Star Status (First-2nd2) When Shea Weber was still young in Sicamous B.C. his dad brought home some plywood from work at a sawmill so his son had something sturdy for shooting practice practice at home. “That was how Weber became one of the deadliest weapons ever seen in hockey. His slapshot has punctured nets at Olympic tournaments while breaking boards at Nashville.” Behold the one brave enough to stand before this hard-nosed defenseman’s cannon! A late bloomer from Kelowna who played alongside Duncan Keith and Josh Gorges before getting picked in Nashville’s second round draft that same year. Weber became one of their teammates before Nashville took advantage by selecting him at number 28 overall in 2003. He quickly earned himself a spot on the Predators roster, taking lessons from players such as Jason Arnott and Kimmo Timonen. Weber was named Preds captain during 2010-11 and won their inaugural playoff series that year. Money was tight in Nashville during that era and in July of 2012 Weber signed an offer sheet with Philadelphia Flyers worth an astounding $110 Million over 14 years. But the Predators recognized what an asset Weber was, so they offered him more to keep him with them. He continued his brash physical play until one of the most controversial trades ever witnessed: being sent from Nashville to Montreal for defenseman P.K. Subban in an unprecedented deal. Weber was named captain after two seasons with Montreal despite suffering several injuries that limited his play and leadership potential. Weber made his mark in hockey history over his impressive career by winning two Olympic Gold with Canada, one World Championship title and World Cup championship apiece, notching 218 career goals which ranks 18th all-time among defenseman (Brent Burns now holds that distinction). His 218 goals make Weber one of the greatest defensemen ever. (Archive Note: Brent Burns now holds this spot). Weber holds the No.1 spot this century for most goals scored by a defenseman with 255. However, his updated total stands second this century and 16th all-time. Did You Know?? Weber once shocked Henrik Zetterberg into submission by smashing his head against the glass, yet there was once a time he needed every meal in order to survive; between 14-15 he sprouted five inches, leaping up from 5-foot-9 to 6-foot-2! Our Hockey News Archive contains over 2,640 issues and 156,000 articles dating all the way back from 1947 until today and can be visited via subscribe.thehockeynews.com; subscribers can visit it and subscribe at subscribe.thehockeynews.com today if interested! Visit it via THN.com/archive or subscribe.thehockeynews.com today by subscribing at subscribe.thehockeynews.com today for access!