The fact that you said "most lopsided deal in NHL history" leads me to believe you either started following hockey a few weeks ago, or have some sort of brain damage.
- maxbart5

Butthurt.

This whole column makes no sense. The fan base loved the guy, one of the most popular Canadiens players in a long time. This blogger had zero clue, there's like maybe 5% of Habs fans who might dislike him, but that might even be a stretch.

I think you are right, but to be fair 5% of Montreal fanbase is still a lot of people and they are sure very vocal about it (and have been for a long time, it's not something new in contrary to what this blogger seems to imply). Personally I still hate this trade very much: wherever you rate Weber or Subban in the top 10 D right now, you don't trade one elite D just starting his prime years for one elite D exiting his, that's just plain stupid .

As for Radulov, I'm sure Nashville fans are still bitter about that, but the guy has more than 1 ppg in KHL and most people from there say he was the best forward in the league, so I'm pretty sure he still can play hockey at an elite level, whatever his personality is. For one year that's a smart move however you look at it.

Oilers are full of talent and got exactly what they we're looking for. Larsson is not a flashy defenseman but he's going to eat à tof minutes. He moves the puck well and defends well. What they needed!
- Bruiniak

Defends well , but doesn't generate offence , he's one dimensional.

Habs got a great player and great leader. This is really not a lopsided trade. A few years down the road, it could screw either team, depending on how well Weber holds up and if he finishes playing his contract.

totally unbiased opinion.

Subban is built for this NHL. Weber was built for it but reality is both are still a top 10 dman in the league, I have them top 5 to 10, but that is me.

I dont like Weber's age comparison to Subban, his retirement recapture still affecting NSH but as of today, I like Weber's game more but no one can doubt Subban's effectiveness either.

I think both teams will be fine and equal for the next 1-2yrs, however I think Weber style, age will have him drop from elite status sooner giving MTL some issues with their cup window, while NSH just extended theirs.

If I had to pick a "winner" so far, it would be NSH -- but if that recapture penatly via Weber's retirement is some scary.

*Habs fans, like many other fans are no different... spin it until you hear what you like then start believing it. Some DET fans think Abbey, Ericsson and Helm are worth their contracts too... so no exceptions, dont be surprised Paul.
- BooBoo997

Weber is no longer a top 5 defenseman. I would argue that he's no longer a top 10 defenseman.

Defends well , but doesn't generate offence , he's one dimensional.
- Alexzanki

In New Jersey defensive system yes, Who could? He will be passing to Mcdavid this year. That alone will get him atleast 10 more points.

Weber is no longer a top 5 defenseman. I would argue that he's no longer a top 10 defenseman.
- Bruiniak

I'd love to hear your argument.

I'd love to hear your argument.
- benderboots

Probably something about that (2012 Weber vs 2016 Weber):



Personally I think he's still top 10 at least (top 5 in offence for sure), but I'm really worried if that will hold in 2-3 years.

The reality is Subban is more suited to Laviolette's system and Weber is more suited to Therrien's system. So, in that sense, each should be better off where he is now. However, Subban--today going forward--is the better player. On that score, Nashville wins the trade. This is a lot like the Chelios for Savard trade years ago (though Weber is not as far past his prime as Savard was). In each case, the Habs lost the trade.

As to people in Montreal liking or not liking Subban? Many more seemed initially upset (I'm one of them) at his departure than now (though I'm not one who is less upset, I feel increasingly in the minority). A considerable reason for the changing opinion, especially among francophone fans, has been the rather concerted and massive effort on the part of francophone media outlets (whose disdain for Subban has ALWAYS been far more than either the fans--francophone and anglophone--and anglophone media) to sway people into thinking the Habs have gotten a much better player in return. Never underestimate the power of propaganda married to 24 sports channels.

I think Nashville wins, not only because of the trade, but because the system Laviolette uses is FAR more entertaining to watch than "old school" Therrien. So, Nashville, enjoy.

C'mon McCann. He may be a top player in the league when it comes to the offensive side of the game. But to be a true numero uno Dman you have to dominate in all aspects of the game. Look at the Dmen who have led their teams to championships. Keith, Seabrook, Doughty, Chara, Pronger, Niedermayer, Lidstrom, and Bourque all excelled in every zone of the ice. They also garnered respect from everyone around them. PK has yet to do that.

Probably something about that (2012 Weber vs 2016 Weber):



Personally I think he's still top 10 at least (top 5 in offence for sure), but I'm really worried if that will hold in 2-3 years.
- Popofjc

Those numbers are comparing 2 different systems and 2 different partners. Weber's role has changed during those 4 years. 2012 Weber was paired with Ryan Suter playing under Trots' system and 2016 Weber is paired up with Josi with Laviolette system.

But I agree still top 10, probably not in the next 2-4 years to come. I'm slightly biased towards Weber because I've watched him play about 750 games over the last 10 seasons.

"One of the best hockey players in the league" lol. What I find funny is that when Subban was still with the Habs, nobody gave him any appreciation for his game outside of the Montreal fan base. How many times has Subban been made fun of for his defensive game or his selfish attitude on the ice by other fans and even other analysts? Habs fans used to say he was one of the best defensemen in the game and always ridiculed in return with people listing off 5-10 defensemen that are better, (Weber was always on that list by the way). But now that he plays for another team everybody's raving that he's the greatest defenseman that ever laced up a pair of skates and the habs were foolish to trade such a talent. Bunch of hypocrites.
- maxbart5

It's laughable to hear people say either one of these guys aren't top 10 defensemen. They both are. Subban won the Norris and Weber should have. They are different but both good.

Montreal fans suffer the same affliction that Leaf fans suffer. When you have a large enough group, you are going to have some loud, obnoxious morons making all of you look bad.
Really, every fan base has this problem, ours is likely just magnified a bit by fan base size and media representation.

I also think anyone calling this the "worst trade in NHL history" is being extremely dramatic. Both are great players still, although Weber will likely start regressing several years before Subban will. This may have been a bad trade for Montreal down the road, but it's not even the worst trade this offseason.

I still remember 2014 Winter Olympics. Subban dresses for only one of the six games Canada played. He wasn't dressed for the gold medal game but when Canada won, he rushes onto the ice in full uniform after the game and made sure he was in the front row for the team picture. What a jagoff.

I still remember 2014 Winter Olympics. Subban dresses for only one of the six games Canada played. He wasn't dressed for the gold medal game but when Canada won, he rushes onto the ice in full uniform after the game and made sure he was in the front row for the team picture. What a jagoff.
- boilermaker100

Yeah spin it however you like buddy.

That aside, Paul the vast majority of the Subban haters in Montreal are the old, dumb and ignorant. We know how much we got (frank)ed by this in the long run for minimal short term change. The only consolation is that we're in all in mode now, so it will be exciting to see Montreal trade what little is in the cupboards to push for a cup.

Defends well , but doesn't generate offence , he's one dimensional.
- Alexzanki

never given the opportunity to generate, very little PP time (like none) and still had 18 points? Plays against the other teams toughest lines and eats minutes. He did get 24 points in 64 games the year before with zero PP time. To say he's one dimensional is a little premature, give him some PP time and see where he's at.

Weber is no longer a top 5 defenseman. I would argue that he's no longer a top 10 defenseman.
- Bruiniak

you can argue anything, doesn't make you right.

All I want to know did Weber ask to be traded?

Paul McCann: PK Subban and the Culture War
- pmccann

Kind of amazing that a team that has traded away Weber and Jones.... still has the best defence in the league.

Kudos... hopefully a full year of Johansen really helps solidify the offence.

Gonna be a fun team to watch.

Aside from Carey Price, P.K. was the best player on Montreal's roster. You're getting a hell of a defenseman. That being said, no player can be bigger than the team! This culture you talk about is coming from winning 24 Stanley Cups. I'm not watching the Habs to see P.K. make spectacular plays. I want the Habs to win the cup! Will Montreal's transition game suffer without P.K., asbsolutely. Is the advanced stats community right in saying Nashville won the trade? Yes, they are! Statistically.

But we got Shea Weber in return! We aren't talking an over the hill defenseman. He is on team Canada's first defensive pairing. A team that P.K. didn't make the cut, not even as a reservist. You have to ask yourself why is that?

It's for the same reason he got traded. He put's his team in trouble at the worst time during the game. He doesn't play the clock and takes risks when he should just defend or chip the puck out the defensive zone. When it's 2-2 at the end of the 3 rd period, P.K. tries to win the game for the team but in the process loses sight the team needs the overtime loss more than the regulation loss. That extra point over an 82 game season can mean the difference in making the playoffs or home ice advantage.

Carey Price means so much for this team! He's a human eraser. How many of his teamates mistakes did he correct. We saw that this year. Mike Condon had good numbers from everywhere on the ice but not from the slot (in front of the net). Montreal needs a player like Weber and the price was P.K.

I think P.K. needed to be traded to get to th next level. I think he'll reflect on what the coaching was telling him in Montreal and ajust in Nashville. You win the trade, but we are closer to a cup with Weber!

As for Radulov, he's a calculated risk! We all saw him play junior hockey in Quebec city. We all know what he can do if he's ready to play and he didn't cost us a player in return. I like this addition. I think he matured and deserves another chance. Just like P.K. will probably learn from his mistakes and mature as a player in Nashville!

Kind of amazing that a team that has traded away Weber and Jones.... still has the best defence in the league.

Kudos... hopefully a full year of Johansen really helps solidify the offence.

Gonna be a fun team to watch.
- Mashadar

Don't forget we lost Suter too

Don't forget we lost Suter too
- jl639s

I wish the Preds threw in a scout too as part of the deal!!

In all seriousness though, you have to think about PK preforming in the toughest division in the NHL and Weber moving to, arguably, the easiest. This could change this trade dynamic as well.

I love, and still love PK, but in your (anyone who has watched him significantly) opinion, how big of a difference did he make when the Habs faced quality opposition on our annual western road trips? Or against the big, strong teams in the west/Central division? I'm only posing this question for honest feedback, not trolling purposes.

I, personally, can not wait to see Weber on my team and I wish nothing but the best for PK in Smashville!! But we will have to wait and see how this all plays out on the ice. Until then, good luck Preds! I will be watching more of your games and am really happy that I'll be having my Center Ice TV package this upcoming season to do so!!

All the best in 2016-17!!