The Original Superstar of the Preds
Before Shea Weber was the 49th overall draft pick in 2003, the Predators never had a true superstar. Someone who was widely known across the NHL. Weber changed that as he became one of the NHL’s top defensemen, not to mention his ridiculous slapshot. He represents a turning point in Predators history by putting the franchise into the spotlight.
Weber didn’t waste time making an impact on the team. In just his second season it was apparent that he was going to be cornerstone of the franchise for years to come. It also didn’t take him long to start joining the conversation for the Norris Trophy, the league’s best defenseman award. Add All-Star selections and an intimidation factor and you get an NHL superstar.
In fact, Weber became so good that other teams were willing to throw some of the highest dollar figures in league history to sign him, but the Predators figured out a way to hold onto him. That left a bad taste in the mouth of some fans, but eventually Weber became a fan-favorite again.
We all know how it finally came to an end with Weber being traded for P.K. Subban just last offseason. It was a difficult farewell, but Weber’s 11 seasons in a Predators uniform easily ranks as one of the all-time best stints in franchise history.