Now, don't get me wrong, Shea Weber is one of my favorite players, he has some of the best leadership I've seen in my career as a blogger and fan. But, with the expansion draft just around the corner, some believe that he may not be protected by Marc Bergevin, if Bergevin opts for the 7-3-1 formula. So, in the eyes of Eric Macramalla (TSN), the three defensemen that Bergevin could protect are Jeff Petry, Ben Chiarot and Joel Edmundson.
The reason he believes this is the scenario that is unfolding is because of Shea Weber's age, and more importantly, his VERY heavy contract. Webby will be 36 in August, he's not getting any younger, and he's been mortgaged by several serious injuries in recent years. Add to that, the deal he signed on July 24, 2012 with the Nashville Predators is monstrous, they at the time had to match the hostile offer tabled by the Philadelphia Flyers.
So, with an average salary of $7,857,143 until 2026, and in his late 30s, Ron Francis certainly won't take such a risk. Moreover, Bergevin could suggest him to take such a player instead of Weber, if ever Francis really had the desire to select him, by adding a draft pick. Yes, Weber is unique with his aura, attitude, character, hustle and leadership, but he's getting old with an outsized pact in his pocket.
