Montreal Canadiens: Rating Shea Weber's Replacements

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Since free agency started, the Montreal Canadiens have brought in five new players to represent the city of Montreal in next near’s back-to-normal Atlantic Division.

With Phillip Danault signing a six-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings, Corey Perry signing a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning, and with the possibility of losing Tomas Tatar, GM Marc Bergevin signed Mike Hoffman, Cédric Paquette, and Mathieu Perreault to fill in these voids.

There was, however, an even bigger void to fill on the blueline, and that is captain Shea Weber’s spot on the right for defence, for which Bergevin brought in David Savard. He also signed Chris Wideman to a one-year contract, to possibly take Weber’s spot on the powerplay.

However, there is still nothing certain regarding Weber. He could go to LTIR for the season and maybe come back in a year or even two, or he could retire and never wear the CH again. I sure am hoping we will get to see him play again, but his health is more important, and steps were taken to make sure the right side of defence won’t be lacking with Weber gone for the moment.

Here are my ratings for these two signings meant to replace him, that is, for the moment being. Who knows what else Bergevin plans on doing?

David Savard, 10/10

Apr 19, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; David Savard Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The Montreal Canadiens signed David Savard on the first day of free agency on a $3.5 million four-year deal.

Not only is he a great replacement for Shea Weber, but he’s also from the province, born in Ste-Hyacinthe.

He said he was happy to know the Canadiens were interested in signing him and is excited to come back home and play in Montreal.

Savard was drafted 94th overall in 2009 by the Columbus Blue Jackets and started in the AHL in 2010-11. He later entered the NHL in 2011-12, though he kept playing in the AHL for two more years until completely switching to the NHL in 2013-14.

He played with Columbus for 10 years, until he was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning this past season in a three-team trade.

Overall this past season, he only tallied one goal and six points in 54 regular-season games, and five assists in 20 playoff games. What makes him an incredible defenceman, however, is his defensive play and his ability to block shots, which is why I am sure he will do a great job at replacing Weber on five on five and on the penalty kill.

His $3.5 AAV, which is the same as Ben Chiarot and Joel Edmundson, is probably what made me give this signing a 10/10 instead of a 9/10, considering he previously had a $4.25 million AAV.

Chris Wideman, 8/10

As another part of the Shea Weber replacement plan, comes in Chris Wideman, KHL defenceman of the year with nine goals and 41 points in 59 games played in the regular season, and one goal and one assist in two playoff games.

Sep 29, 2018; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Chris Wideman (6) skates with the puck in the first period against the Montreal Canadiens at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /

He should be a huge help in creating offence from the blueline and creating plays for his teammates. I also expect his offensive prowess to allow him to take Weber’s spot on the powerplay, which is why I’m giving this signing a good rating as well.

Everyone knew that replacing Weber wouldn’t be easy, and wouldn’t be a one-man job, but the combination of Savard’s defensive play and Wideman’s offence should do the job. Though nothing will truly replace Weber, especially hid leadership and relationship with the team on and off the ice, these two players’ skills combined should be enough.

Wideman also refused a $2 million deal in the KHL and signed a one-year $750,000 contract with the Canadiens, so his goal will surely be to show everyone he belongs in the NHL, and for the league-minimum salary, who can really be upset about this signing?

Next. Perreault Signs One-Year Deal, Merrill to Minnesota. dark

With Savard playing in his home province and Wideman back in the NHL, there is also an emotional meaning for these players, and I expect both to be passionate about playing here.

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