Habs Acquire Mike Weaver in Depth Move With Panthers

Greetings Habs Addicts,

The day leading up to the trade deadline was eventful in Montreal. Marc Bergevin acquired defenseman Mike Weaver from the Florida Panthers in return for a 5th round draft pick in the 2015 draft. Essentially, he was acquired for future considerations.

Photo Credit: NHL.COM

Weaver, 35, is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. In 55 games, he's picked up 0 goals and 6 assists to go along with a -9 rating. Weaver has never been a big-point getter, as his season high for points came in 2011-12 when he put up 16 points - all assists - in a full 82 games. He was in his 4th season with the Panthers, with previous stops in St. Louis, Vancouver, Los Angeles and Atlanta. All told, Weaver has played in 585 NHL games. This is the first time he's been traded. 


I'll let Mike Weaver describe Mike Weaver:

"If I stay out of the paper, I'm doing my job, I'm not a guy who's going to score a lot of points, but I do the little things like block shots and penalty killing is my specialty. I'd rather block a shot than score a goal so I guess you could say I'm a goalie's best friend back there." - Mike Weaver, as per Canadiens.com

Sounds to me like Mike Weaver is bringing the same skills to the team that the Habs already have in Douglas Murray, albeit in a Francis Bouillon-sized package (Weaver is listed as 5'10", 180-lbs). While Murray is probably the more physical player - much like Steven Segal, Murray will hit you hard but only if you come right at him - Weaver is most likely a far better skater. Another important fact about Weaver is that he is right-handed. The only other right-handed defenseman the Canadiens currently employ on their blue line is P.K. Subban. If the Habs are moving either Murray or Bouillon at the trade deadline today, then acquiring Weaver is understandable. However considering they had to pass Davis Drewiske through waivers in order to free up a roster spot and considering the advanced-age and defensive skill set of Weaver, it does make this deal seem rather peculiar.

Mike Weaver is a solid defensive player and penalty killer. His personal goal is to block every shot that's heading towards the net (he has 94 blocked shots this season). Sounds like a similar skill-set to Josh Gorges in the regard. Weaver was also an assistant captain in Florida, so he is also bringing character and veteran leadership to the team. However, considering the logjam the Habs have on the blueline, unless another move is coming at the deadline today, I do not see him entering the line-up unless its at the expense of Jarred Tinordi. And I'm sure all Habs fans will agree: I'd rather see our 6'6", 220+ pound bruiser of a prospect in the line-up over a 35-year old, undersized defender.

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Nick M. is a transplanted Montrealer, currently living in evil LeafLand. He is a contributor here at HabsAddict.com and give him a follow, as he can often be found rambling on Twitter.

Posted in: marc bergevin,Mike Weaver,montreal canadiens,nhl trade deadline