Montreal Canadiens Trade P.K. Subban to Nashville for Shea Weber

Montreal Canadiens Trade P.K. Subban to Nashville Predators for Shea Weber

In the second of two big deals on Wednesday, Montreal Canadiens trade P.K. Subban to Nashville in exchange for Shea Weber.

This trade should come with many mixed emotions and numerous varying opinions.  Let’s take a moment to explore a few of those angles.

Straight Hockey Angle

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Oddly enough, this trade fills a need for both teams.  The Canadiens needed a true number one defenseman – P.K. played like one at times, but was a borderline no.1 at best.  Montreal solidified something the Oilers failed to do today trading their superstar forward (Taylor Hall).

For Nashville, Shea Weber and Roman Josi were arguably the NHL’s top pairing.  Only problem, maybe it was too much of the same blend.  Now, Josi can step up as the Preds top defender, and Subban can settle into a comfortable number two (or 1A) slot with less pressure.

From a strictly hockey point of view, there’s nothing to suggest this deal shouldn’t work out for both teams.

Human Angle

Off the ice/in the community, there is perhaps no better ambassador for the game right now than P.K. Subban.  This is the same guy who donated $10 million dollars to the Montreal Children’s Hospital in 2015.  Yet somehow he managed to be passed over by teammates in King Clancy voting in favor of Max Pacioretty.

Not all Canadiens fans love P.K. Subban, but it might be safe to assume that the majority of the fan base is not overly happy with this trade.  That tends to happen when you subtract a beloved player from one of the league’s most passionate groups of fans.

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 via Sportsnet,

“We completed today an important transaction which I am convinced will make the Canadiens a better team,” Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin said in a team statement. “It was also one of the most difficult decisions I had to make as general manager of the Montreal Canadiens. In Shea Weber, we get a top rated NHL defenceman with tremendous leadership, and a player who will improve our defensive group as well as our power play for many years to come. Shea Weber led all NHL defencemen last season with 14 power play goals. He is a complete rearguard with impressive size and a powerful shot. P.K. Subban is a special and very talented player. He provided the Canadiens organization with strong performances on the ice and generous commitment in the community. I wish him the best of luck with the Predators,”

Next: Montreal Canadiens Free Agency Outlook

Subban, 27, is coming off a 51-point season in 2015-16.  He has six years remaining on his deal, which carries an annual cap hit of $9 million dollars.

Weber, 30, compiled 20 goals (51 points) in 2015-16.  Shea has 10 years remaining on his contract, which carries an annual cap hit of $7.85 million dollars.