Both the Montreal Canadiens and impending unrestricted free agent defenseman Mike Weaver — whom the Canadiens acquired for a 2015 fifth round pick at the 2014 NHL Trade Deadline — made it clear back in May that they had interest in reaching a deal to keep Weaver in the bleau, blanc, and rouge. But on Wednesday morning Richard Labbé of La Presse in Montreal reported that when the clock hit 12:01 AM Wednesday and the UFA interview period began, Weaver had not received an offer from Habs GM Marc Bergevin. Later in the day, a source close to the situation told Murph’s Musings that Weaver was already in touch with multiple teams regarding his future. The source did make it clear however that the 36-year old defenseman and the Canadiens still share interest in each other and that “Montreal remains high on his list.”
The fact that Weaver wasn’t offered a deal came as a bit of a surprise considering Weaver and not the more high-profiled trade deadline pick-up by the Habs Thomas Vanek seemed to have more of a consistent presence and fit in well in the dressing room. But according to this source and some pro scouts around the NHL, the Canadiens are zeroed in on a.) locking up restricted free agent defenseman and superstar P.K. Subban to a long-term contract and b.) acquiring a top-end scorer in their top six forward group. This may be why a bottom three defenseman like Weaver wasn’t a priority.
Weaver finished the season with 13 points in 72 regular season games and then a goal and three assists in 17 playoff games during the Habs’ run to Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
