1. Weber's cap hit is $7.8 million... for the player he's been, that is hardly a big cap hit, and we certainly aren't going to get a comparable for cheaper. Not only that, but Montreal is not going to want to retain on that, unless the price we pay, is substantially higher.
2. I still don't understand why people continue to go on about Weber's eight year contract. Has anyone even looked at how it is structured? The last three years are at $1 million per, and the year before that $3 million. He most certainly will not be playing for $ 1 million, and likely not for $3 million. Your typical Cap circumvention contract, where he will likely retire early. So, we are likely looking at a FOUR year contract, not EIGHT. That isn't too bad. Now, having said he is "likely" to retire after four years, that would be a disaster for Nashville, as he'd count as a $6.2 million Cap hit for them, for four years after that. It is in their best interests, to trade for him, and put him on LTIR at that point, if you can find a way to do so. In either case, he's about a four year player for us...
3. His skating wasn't great, but then, neither have guys like Chara, but they are smart, know the angles and can play the game well. The only question in my mind will be, did the broken foot further slow him down. As far as skating with this group, I don't think it's critical that every D man, be able to keep up on the rush.