Shea Weber would look great in bleu blanc et rouge

What chance do we have of attracting Shea Weber next summer in free agency? I know he’s pals with fellow Kelowna Rockets alumnus Josh Gorges, I hope they talk shop when they train in the summer and our man is doing a good sales job.  

Shea Weber might be the best defenceman in the league, in that he does everything exceedingly well.  He's a good defender, shutting down the opponent's top line.  He has good offensive skills, bringing a lethal shot from the point on the powerplay.  He's tough and can play mean.  He plays in a low-wattage market in Nashville, but he's finally been 'discovered', and we can expect him to be a regular Norris Trophy contender for the next few years.

I think the Canadiens should keep their powder dry and not waste cap space on any contract longer than one season for now. We have to re-sign David Desharnais and Max Pacioretty to RFA contracts next summer, while no big deals will be coming off the books. If we want to make a run at Mr. Weber, we need to be smart.

Of course, one aspect the owners might hammer the players with in the bargaining for the next Collective Agreement is an attempt to raise the minimum age for free agency back to 29 or 30, so Shea Weber might not be an unrestricted free agent next season after all, and Nashville GM David Poile could rest easy. I think he’s the real prize, not Ryan Suter.