Dominique Ducharme details how Shea Weber will remain near the Habs

Captain Shea Weber plans on staying close to the organization, even if it isn't on the ice.

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Published 2 years ago
Dominique Ducharme details how Shea Weber will remain near the Habs
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The Montreal Canadiens are regrouping as an organization after their incredible Cinderella-style run to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1993. Though they would ultimately fall in five games to the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Habs gave a new generation of fans everywhere some pretty incredible memories that will last a lifetime. 

However, the team will be without captain Shea Weber going forward, as the bruising defenseman will be missing the upcoming season thanks to lingering issues with his foot/ankle injury. Of course, these aren't the first injury issues that Weber has dealt with. 

He missed two weeks in February of 2020 with his left foot/ankle issue, and also underwent surgery for a meniscal tear in his right knee in July 2018. And his punishing and bruising style of play certainly isn't helping things. 

The Habs captain also battled thumb injury that caused him to miss the end of the regular season during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, certainly showing his resolve in the ultimately failed quest to bring Canada it's first Cup title since the Habs did so 28 years ago. 

Head coach Dominique Ducharme recently talked about Weber's desire to stay close to the organization, even if it isn't on the ice. 

"He definitely wants to be around the organization," he said. "We also need to evaluate his health. But, I know that he stayed in touch with our players, like he does every summer. He's still playing his role, even if he isn't there in person."

So what will things be like without Weber in the lineup? 

"I don't think our team will be very different," he explained. "We know that Shea won't be able to play this year, but we acquired a guy like David Savard, who plays a similar style. We have a guy like Jake Evans, who can fill the void left by the loss of Phillip Danault. Every year, there are players that leave the group and players that arrive. Our core group overcame a lot of different things. We expect everyone to keep progressing and certain players will assume bigger roles. That's how we'll continue to build on what we've already accomplished."

The Habs open the exhibition schedule in less than a month with two straight matchups against the rival Toronto Maple Leafs. 

Source: NHL.com