Report: The NHL blocked a deadline trade for Shea Weber's contract!

Shea Weber's contract was expected to be moved, either to a team needing long-term injured reserve room or a team needing to get to the cap floor and not spend much in the next few years. As you may be aware, the 36-year-old defenseman has not played this season due to injuries. Weber last played in the Stanley Cup Finals for the Habs against the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2021-22.

Weber has four more years on his contract, with a cap charge of $7.9M per season, but he is only owing $6M overall. Weber's deal calls for him to be paid $7.9 million each year for four years. This sounds like an intriguing option for a team wishing to take on salary cap for themselves or to help another team.

The Arizona Coyotes reportedly tried to trade for Weber's contract from the Montreal Canadiens, but the league supposedly refused.

The Coyotes wanted Weber's deal but the NHL said it would be bad publicly for the NHL. Instead, the Coyotes traded a fourth-round selection for Bryan Little's contract and the rights to unsigned NCAA player Nathan Smith.


Because it was Winnipeg and not Montreal, they felt the fallout wouldn't be as bad.

A deal for Weber's contract to free up salary space was close, according to Canadiens GM Kent Hughes after the trade deadline.

Credit: HF