Aerchon
Registered User
- Jul 20, 2011
- 10,527
- 3,728
Weber has been a great #1D for a while, wouldnt say he is now. Didnt like what I saw this year and I weigh a ton of what fans from that team say (specifically in their own boards). Hes still a good D but fans that thought they were getting some elite, top 5 D realized they were in for a nasty suprise. For Montreal fans id say its the complete opposite. They want to praise Weber as much as they can because this is the guy they are stuck with. Any fanbase overrates incoming players they just traded for (for the first year at least).
As for that trade: I thought that trade was brutal for the get go. I thought maybe that trade would be a wash for 2 or 3 years and then after Nashville would be significantly better off for the long run. To my suprise, Nashville has walked away the victor after one year. Weber has done nothing for Montreal that Subban didnt already do (aka be an elite first 30 game team, float by till end of season and lead them to a round 1 loss). But Subban did something for Nashville Weber couldnt
Subban didnt just magically buy into a system (inferring he didnt buy into a system in Montreal). He was always elite and good defensively in Montreal and bought into whatever system they had there. Subban was just utilized waaaay better in Nashville and he was able to be used to his full capacity. Subban fits Nashville better because he has way more dynamics to him than Weber ever had. Weber was good defensively (overrated because he hit hard) and good on the PP. He was not a good even strength puck mover. Vs Subban who is an elite puck mover, good defensively and rivals Weber on the PP.
Weber meanwhile will maybe get a bit underrated in the future because he plays for Montreal (same as when Subban did). That team is a tire fire and hell have to be the head of that. But hes already showing hes not all that great anymore and its only getting worse. Not only do I think Klefbom AND Larsson will both be better next season. I would say 25/30 other D will be as well
We have seen two completely different players. Subban was legit embarrassing defensively his last year in Montreal. His whole career barring last year he absolutely was imo a one dimensional defender. Not generally brutal defensively but not good either.
I know a few Montreal fans and lurked thier boards this year. For every sensible fan recognizing the good things Weber does there are two more stuck on how "stupid" it was trading away Subban. Subban lol the best defensemen in the league. Its a joke he won the Norris. Doubt there are many pundits that believe Subban didnt get significantly more defensively responsible in Nashville than his previous in Montreal. Price was certainly not upset Subban left and is quoted as saying he was looking forward to the defensive stability Weber brings.
I am a huge Larsson fan. Klefbom has significantly improved every year and is looking great as well. I hope one or both become better than Weber. I believe that could happen but think that is unlikely to happen this year.
I would be curious what the mains would say about Larsson and Klefbom being arguably better last year and likely better this year.