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Shea Weber Named 21st Canadiens Captain to be Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame
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    Shea Weber Named 21st Canadiens Captain to be Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame

    Defenceman Shea Weber will be the 21st Montreal Canadiens captain in the Hockey Hall of Fame after he’s inducted.

    Weber, who played 16 seasons in the NHL including five with the Canadiens, was announced as part of the 2024 class Tuesday that will be heading to the hall later this year.

    He will join Jack Laviolette, Jimmy Gardner, Newsy Lalonde, Sprague Cleghorn, Sylvio Mantha, George Hainsworth, Babe Siebert, Toe Blake, Bill Durnan, Butch Bouchard, Maurice Richard, Doug Harvey, Jean Beliveau, Henri Richard, Yvan Cournoyer, Serge Savard, Bob Gainey, Chris Chelios, Guy Carbonneau and Pierre Turgeon among Canadiens captains in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

    Laviolette and Gardner served as Canadiens captains prior to the NHL’s inception in 1917.

    The list of Canadiens captains not in the Hockey Hall of Fame is actually shorter with just 10 names. That includes current captain Nick Suzuki and Max Pacioretty, who played with the Washington Capitals this past season and is a pending unrestricted free agent.

    After spending nine years with the Nashville Predators, Weber was traded to the Canadiens in June 2016 for fellow star blue-liner P.K. Subban.

    Weber was named the 30th captain in franchise history on Sept. 10, 2018.

    He helped lead the Canadiens during their most recent trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021. Montreal went on an unexpected run upsetting the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets and Vegas Golden Knights before losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

    The Game 5 finale against the Lightning on July 7, 2021, ended up being Weber’s last NHL game due to injuries.

    Weber did not officially retire after that season. He remained under contract and was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights then again to the Arizona Coyotes. He never suited up for either club and the Utah Hockey Club still hold his rights for two more seasons.

    Weber finished his career playing 1,038 games and recording 589 points (224 goals and 365 assists). He earned the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2016 and was named to the NHL’s first and second all-star teams twice each. He never won a Norris Trophy but was a finalist three times.

    The Sicamous, B.C., native also earned two Olympic gold medals and a world championship for Canada on the international stage.

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    The Montreal Canadiens have a rich history of legendary players who have worn the iconic “C” on their jersey as team captain. The latest addition to this esteemed group is defenseman Shea Weber, who was recently named the 21st captain in Canadiens history.

    Weber, who joined the Canadiens in 2016 after a blockbuster trade with the Nashville Predators, has quickly become a fan favorite in Montreal. Known for his leadership on and off the ice, Weber is a natural choice to lead the team as captain.

    In addition to his leadership qualities, Weber is also one of the top defensemen in the NHL. With his booming shot and physical play, he has made a significant impact on the Canadiens’ blue line since his arrival.

    Weber’s induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame is a testament to his outstanding career and contributions to the game of hockey. Throughout his time in the NHL, Weber has earned numerous accolades, including multiple All-Star selections and a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

    As he takes on the role of captain for the Canadiens, Weber will be following in the footsteps of some of the greatest players in hockey history. From Jean Beliveau to Maurice Richard, the Canadiens have a tradition of excellence that Weber will now be a part of.

    With Weber leading the way, the Canadiens will look to build on their recent success and bring another Stanley Cup back to Montreal. As one of the most storied franchises in NHL history, the Canadiens have high expectations for their captains, and Weber is more than up to the challenge.

    In conclusion, Shea Weber’s appointment as the 21st captain of the Montreal Canadiens is a well-deserved honor for a player who has proven himself both on and off the ice. With his leadership skills and talent, Weber is sure to make a lasting impact on the Canadiens and continue to add to his already impressive legacy in the game of hockey.