The Montreal Canadiens announced on Monday that Shea Weber will become the 30th captain in the history of the franchise.
A statement on the team’s official website confirmed that the 33-year-old defenseman was appointed captain by the “club’s hockey management.”
Weber becomes the 25th Canadian-born player to wear the C for the Habs as he enters his 14th season as a player in the National Hockey League.
Currently recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his right knee which took place in June, Weber will miss the start of the season and recently revealed he will not rush his recovery:
“I hope to return earlier, but if it’s another four months, it’s another four months. I’ve got to do what’s right for myself long term. For me to come back too soon and get hurt again, that doesn’t help anybody.”
Meanwhile, the Canadiens also announced that Brendan Gallagher and Paul Byron will serve as alternate captains for the 2018-19 season.
Both played in all 82 games last season. Gallagher is coming off of a season during which he was the top scorer for the Habs, netting a team-high 31 goals and amassing 54 points. Byron, fresh off two consecutive 20 goal seasons, recently signed a four-year contract extension.
