At number 6, one of my personal all-time favorite defensemen to don the Montreal Canadiens uniform is none other than Sheldon Souray. I had the privilege of enjoying watching him play for the Habs from 2000-2007 shortly after he was traded by the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Vladimir Malakhov.
I chose Souray as the number 6 greatest defenseman because I recall being lifted out of my seat whenever he readied himself at the blue line for his powerful and at times scary slap shot during the power play. In 758 regular season games with the Habs, he managed 109 goals, 26 of which came in 2006-2007 alone. He finished that year with 38 assists and 64 points, although he was known for his defensive shortcomings and put up a horrendous -28 plus-minus rating.
Here’s what I consider his most embarrassing moment as a defenseman:
To Jason Spezza’s credit, that was a beautiful move and excellent finish. Unfortunately, Souray looked horrible on that play, seemingly attempting to play the body as opposed to trying his luck with a poke-check.
Nevertheless, Souray would play an integral leadership role on a team that lacked a great deal of it. There were divisions within the locker room at the time, with many claiming that there was a Saku Koivu and Alex Kovalev clique. Souray identified with neither, opting instead to march to the beat of his own drum. He was a treat for journalists and members of the media, as he never shied away from giving interviews while speaking the truth. He never held back when it came to pointing out issues with the team.
Moreover, #44 demonstrated his leadership by regularly dropping the gloves, something that would inevitably lead to several wrist injuries and subsequent surgeries, cutting his career short after he was bounced around by the Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars, and the Anaheim Ducks.
He was kept out of the lineup for the duration of the 2002-2003 season but would come back stronger than ever the following season and even participated in the NHL All-Star Game, winning the Skills Competition’s hardest shot contest.
It was in April of 2007 that Souray broke the record for the most power play goals scored by a defenseman with his 19th of the season. He was once again invited to the All-Star Game, but came in second in the hardest shot contest. He led all defensemen with his 26 goals and with his contract expiring at the end of that year, it was clear he would become the most sought-after blue-liner. For those of you who recall, there was a lot of controversy surrounding where he would end up. Many assumed he’d want to be closer to his family in Los Angeles, although he ended up signing a huge contract with the Oilers during the offseason.
He would never be the same player again, as concussions, hand injuries and various ailments kept him out of the lineup for long stretches. Tensions flared between the Oilers’ organization and himself, and he was bought out of his last contract year and signed with the Dallas Stars. He took on a significantly more defensive role and was asked to avoid fighting as often as possible, and after putting up 21 points in 64 games in his single 2011-2012 season, Souray would sign with the Ducks.
He posted a career-best +19 during the lockout-shortened 2012-2013 season, but would be placed on long-term injured reserve due to a shoulder and wrist injury. He retired in 2015.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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