Shea Webber’s absence next season leaves a huge hole in the Montreal Canadiens’ defensive line-up, a gap that Mark Bergevin is keen to fill until his team returns to the playoffs.
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With this in mind, here are six defenders who can be summoned to replace the nickname “Mountain Man”.
Seth Jones
Everything indicates that Blue Jackets will trade it in, knowing that he is not interested in rooting in Columbus. He can achieve full autonomy at the end of next season.
Jones is a great athlete capable of playing more than 25 minutes per game. At just 26 years old, he could become the Habs quarterback for several years if he agrees to sign a contract extension in Montreal.
He would be a worthy heir to Webber, his former mentor with the Nashville Predators. However, does the Arlington, Texas native really want to play in Canada?
Tyson Barry
Barry will never completely replace Webber, as his player profile and Number 6 are diametrically opposed.
One thing is for sure, it will give CH a huge hand in the power game and improve the team’s transition game on level ground.
Barry led the Pittman circuit defense with 48 points in the 2020-2021 season. He will become an unrestricted free customer on July 28.
Doji Hamilton
Hamilton has taken his game to another level over the past two seasons. We are talking about a harvest of 82 points in 102 matches and a cumulative record of +50.
Despite his tall stature, he is not as intimidating as Weber, but his effectiveness in all three areas is undeniable.
Adam Larson
We are definitely in another class of players. Larson is not an attractive name.
However, this 6’3” and 208 pound big player can provide a good twenty minutes for CH in important situations, as well as pull out of the game in a nutshell.
Among the defenders, Larson placed fifth in the National Hockey League (NHL) in body hits last season. He would help the Habs Muscular Brigade maintain the playoff’s aura.
Al Suwaidi will be released to the air on July 28.
Mark Giordano
Yes, Giordano is left-handed and that is not ideal if the goal is to replace Webber. However, the options are not very many, and Giordano offers many qualities similar to those of the imposing stern.
Veteran Flames has a very physical style of play, playing in the West since the beginning of his career.
He’s 37 years old, but he only has one year left on his Calgary contract, worth an average of $6.75 million.
Rasmus Restollinen
Finn has always been at the center of transaction rumors for several years now.
His outrageous advanced stats and questionable defensive play have intimidated NHL teams in the past.
But what can he do outside of Buffalo, an environment that has proven toxic to many players? The question must be asked. However, caution is in order.
