Yannick Weber
The Montreal Canadiens drafted Yannick Weber in one of their best draft classes of all time. They had two first round picks in 2007 and took Ryan McDonagh and Max Pacioretty. Then, in the second round they selected P.K. Subban.
With the 73rd overall pick in the third round of the draft, they grabbed Yannick Weber. So, he wasn’t exactly the prize of the draft class, but it’s 13 years later and he still a regular in the National Hockey League.
At least, he was when the 2019-20 season ended. He should find a spot to play regular minutes once again soon.
Weber isn’t the biggest or meanest defenceman in the league at 5’11” but at just over 200 pounds he doesn’t get pushed around on the ice. He can more than handle himself in the corners and in battles along the boards and in front of the net.
He also has an absolute cannon of a shot. Playing with the Nashville Predators who feature Roman Josi and Ryan Ellis made it difficult for Weber to get power play time, but his shot is one to be feared.
As a right defenceman with just under 500 games of NHL experience, the 32 year old should be finding a new home soon. He had just three points in 41 games for the Predators last season, but he doesn’t hurt a team defensively at all and always has that booming slap shot that can beat any goaltender.
Lots of teams would be interested in a depth defender on the right side for cheap. Weber will find work soon.