The trade that sent P.K. Subban from the Montreal Canadiens to Shea Weber of the Nashville Predators on June 29, 2016, continues to be a topic of debate and reevaluation. The one-for-one swap involving two of the highest-paid defensemen in the NHL at the time sent shockwaves throughout the league. Several years later, it’s worth examining the rationale behind the trade, how each player performed with their new teams, and ultimately, who benefitted the most from this blockbuster deal.
At the time of the trade, Subban was 27 years old and had already won a Norris Trophy as the league’s best defenseman. He was a fan favorite in Montreal, known for his offensive flair, dynamic playmaking, and charismatic personality. However, there were also rumors of clashes with teammates and a perception that Subban was more focused on his personal brand than the team’s success. Weber, on the other hand, was 30 years old and a veteran known for his leadership, physical play, and booming slapshot. Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin believed that Weber would bring much-needed leadership and defensive stability to the team.
In the immediate aftermath, opinions were divided. Some fans were outraged by the departure of the younger, more exciting Subban, while others praised the acquisition of Weber’s experience and character. As Canadiens coach Michel Therrien took full advantage of Weber's abilities, Weber averaged 25:49 per game, which was sixth in the NHL at the time. Early returns seemed to favor the Canadiens, as they got off to a strong start in the 2016-17 season, with Weber contributing significantly.
The first season after the trade saw both players perform well. Weber posted 42 points in 78 games for the Canadiens, while Subban recorded 40 points in 66 games for the Predators. Subban and the Predators made it to the Stanley Cup Final, ultimately losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins. In Montreal, Weber helped the Habs return to the playoffs.
The 2017-18 season saw contrasting fortunes for the two defensemen. Weber was limited to just 26 games due to an injury. Subban, meanwhile, had a strong year, finishing as a Norris Trophy finalist as the Predators won the President’s Trophy. In 2018-19, both players battled injuries, with Weber playing 58 games and Subban 63. The Predators made the playoffs, but were eliminated in the first round, while the Canadiens missed the postseason.
In June 2019, the Predators traded Subban to the New Jersey Devils for draft picks and prospects. This move led many to believe that the Canadiens had won the trade, as Subban’s performance declined in New Jersey. Weber, on the other hand, continued to be a key player for Montreal.
Weber's career was impacted by injuries, and he ultimately played his final games during the Canadiens' improbable Stanley Cup run in 2021. Although he missed the entirety of the 2021-22 season and was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2022 offseason, his leadership during that playoff run was invaluable. Subban officially announced his retirement during the 2022 offseason after 13 seasons in the NHL.
Ultimately, there is no definitive winner in the Subban-Weber trade. Both players brought different qualities to their respective teams and experienced varying degrees of success. The Predators reached a Stanley Cup Final with Subban, but his tenure in Nashville was ultimately shorter than Weber’s in Montreal. Weber provided leadership and stability to the Canadiens, but injuries hampered his effectiveness in later years.
Perhaps the biggest lesson from the Subban-Weber trade is that team needs and player fit are crucial factors in determining the success of any transaction. While Subban may have had more individual accolades and offensive upside, Weber’s leadership and defensive prowess were exactly what the Canadiens were looking for at the time. Similarly, Subban’s marketability and dynamic personality were a better fit for the Predators, who were looking to increase their profile in a non-traditional hockey market.
