Head Coach Michel Therrien’s golf tournament benefiting the Canadiens Foundations is taking place today and a number of key Montreal Canadiens players are in attendance. Namely, this is Shea Weber’s debut as a Canadiens and the local media’s first opportunity to meet the new alternate captain. Newly acquired Andrew Shaw is also participating as are returning players such as Captain Max Pacioretty, Nathan Beaulieu, David Desharnais, Paul Byron, Phillip Danault, Torrey Mitchell and prospects Stefan Matteau and Charles Hudon.
Best wishes to #Habs coach Michel Therrien for his Tuesday golf tourney in Terrebonne to aid @CHCFondation. Guests: pic.twitter.com/leKZcqeAH1
— Dave Stubbs (@Dave_Stubbs) August 6, 2016
Aside from Weber’s debut, there was a lot of talk and anticipation on newcomer who is not in town yet, Alexander Radulov:
Max Pacioretty parle d'Alexander Radulov avec des étoiles dans les yeux : "I watched his highlights on YouTube and I got goosebumps!" #Habs
— Nicolas A Martineau (@nikmartineauTVA) August 9, 2016
Shea Weber on Radulov: "He's a guy who can make a difference. He's a game-breaker" #Habs
— Joey Alfieri (@joeyalfieri) August 9, 2016
More Weber on Radulov: "He has a family now, so hopefully he's here for the right reasons" #Habs
— Joey Alfieri (@joeyalfieri) August 9, 2016
#Habs: "Nous avons une meilleure équipe aujourd'hui en raison de nos acquisitions cet été (Weber, Radulov, Shaw)" - Max Pacioretty
— J-F Chaumont (@JFChaumontJDM) August 9, 2016
Even those not in Montreal are still commenting on Radulov:
Lehkonen on Radulov: " I have seen him play live once, and let me tell you, he was just a monster out there" @HabsEOTP #Habs
— Patrik B (@Zeb_Habs) August 8, 2016
As for Weber, his teammates are certainly looking forward to having him alongside them on the ice rather than facing him:
Andrew Shaw says Weber "got him good" in 2014. Weber broke two of Shaw's ribs #Habs
— Joey Alfieri (@joeyalfieri) August 9, 2016
Andrew Shaw on Habs fans and Weber: "They're gonna love him." #TSN690
— Conor McKenna (@mckennaconor) August 9, 2016
Perhaps there was a little foreshadowing as well at the tournament:
Some foreshadowing at Michel Therrien's golf tournament? #newdefencepairing pic.twitter.com/U6rc2qCIox
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) August 9, 2016
Interesting that Nathan Beaulieu says he "doesn't believe in analytics and that stuff"
— Joey Alfieri (@joeyalfieri) August 9, 2016
As for Weber’s reaction when the trade happened:
"There was initial shock. I dont think it was the "Shea for PK" it was just the fact that I was traded. Shock then excitment" -Weber #TSN690
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) August 9, 2016
"There's an excitement that a team wants you. You want to come here and be a piece of what they're going for." - Shea Weber #HabsOn690
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) August 9, 2016
"It’s exciting to be back in Canada, let alone the mecca of hockey, the place where people just eat, sleep and breathe hockey." - Shea Weber
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) August 9, 2016
On Pacioretty’s and some leadership questions:
"With all the moves we made I feel a little less pressure. I've already learned a lot from Shea."- Pacioretty pic.twitter.com/R6IdfPFqGG
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) August 9, 2016
Pacioretty asked if he ever thought about giving Weber the "C": "No." #Habs
— Joey Alfieri (@joeyalfieri) August 9, 2016
Overall, it is safe to say that the page has now finally turned on the Weber/Subban trade. Weber has arrived in Montreal and it is clear that his new teammates are looking forward to hitting the ice with him. The players seem to be eagerly anticipating Radulov and the offensive touch that he will hopefully bring to the Bell Centre this season. Beaulieu seems to now be entrenched as part of the Canadiens core. There will be much discussion until training camp arrives and who will be paired up with Weber. Beaulieu at this point is the likely favorite, regardless of him being on the same banner as Weber at the tournament. I thought that it was interesting that there were no quotes from David Desharnais or the other 3rd and 4th line players participating at the tournament. Charles Hudon in attendance gives me hope that he is still very much in the plans of the organization and that he will be given a fair shot this season.
Cheers & follow along! Follow @Jenbcutler