Second All Time
The next spot on the Predators Mount Rushmore is given to the beloved former captain, Shea Weber. The Predators drafted Weber 49th overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Shea spent the first 11 years of his illustrious career in Nashville, six of those while wearing the captain’s ‘C’. In his 11 seasons in a Predators uniform, Weber played 763 games. In that time, he amassed 166 goals and 277 assists. His 443 points are third best in Predators history.
Weber finished his Nashville career near the top of almost every single leaderboard. He sits second all time in games played, goals, and plus/minus. Weber is third all time in assists and points. He also ranks third all time in goals created, even-strength goals, and game-winning goals. Weber sits alone atop the leaderboard for shots and power play goals.
Shea Weber is the quintessential hard-nosed defenseman. He stands tall at 6 foot 4 inches, 235 pounds. He skated with authority, laid powerful hits, and possessed a booming 100+ mph slap shot that was the hardest in the league for many years, and still might be.
Shea moved well for a defenseman his size. He had great vision and could read the whole ice at one time. He could quarterback a power play as well as any other defenseman in the game. Shea did it all, as far as I’m concerned. Likewise, his outstanding play earned him five All-Star selections while in Nashville. He could even be on a Hall of Fame track, if he continues to dominate the blue line like he has for so many years.
Shea was as good a defenseman as you can find nowadays, and an even better leader. The team loved him, the city loved him, and it was a shame to have to lose him. Shea you’ve more than earned a spot on the Predators Mount Rushmore.