The trade of Shea Weber for P.K. Subban was the hardest decision for retired Nashville Predators general manager David Poile to make.
On 102.5 The Game’s Robby and Rexrode Show this morning, former general manager David Poile spoke with Robby Stanley and Joe Rexrode on a variety of topics, including life after hockey, the approaching trade deadline, and the impending special Captains’ Night at Bridgestone Arena on February 13. In honor of the team’s 25th anniversary, the Predators will welcome back former captains Mike Fisher, Shea Weber, Kimmo Timonen, and Tom Fitzgerald. Poile thought back on the historic transaction that sent P.K. Subban to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Shea Weber, the captain of the Predators.
Regarding the trade that brought Weber to the Canadiens in exchange for Subban, Poile remarked, “That was probably right at the top of my list of difficult trades to make.”
That’s quite the statement from a general manager who never shied away from taking chances when it came to assembling or altering a roster.
In the second round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Weber was selected by Poile. The Predators selected six defensemen that year, including Ryan Suter and Kevin Klein. In a game against the Detroit Red Wings on January 6, 2006, Weber made his NHL debut for the Nashville Predators. He had joined the Milwaukee Admirals for the 2005–06 season. Weber continued to play 763 games in gold, finishing his career with 443 points and 166 goals for the Predators.
Not just Predators and Canadien supporters were stunned when it was revealed on June 29, 2016, that the Predators had traded Weber for Subban. The league was taken aback by the action.
Even after all these seasons, the Weber/Subban trade still raises the age-old “Who won the deal?” debate. Subban undoubtedly contributed significantly to the Predators’ success in reaching the Stanley Cup Finals, as the club went on to compete there. In 2020–2021, Weber participated in a Stanley Cup play with Montreal; however, the Canadiens were defeated by the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Poile conceded that the arrangements probably went smoothly for everyone.
Regarding the arrangement, Poile remarked, “I did what I felt I had to do.” “It was effective for us. It was perfect for Shea. We were motivated to complete the transaction because, well, we made it to the Stanley Cup Finals and nearly won the Cup.”
“That’s where the business part gets in the way of the hockey part,” added Poile. “You have agents involved and different things.”
What does Poile wish Weber’s situation had turned out differently, looking back?
“I wish we could have signed him [to] a long term contract like we did with Pekka who retired here,” added Poile. Or how Roman Josi managed to secure a long-term deal. As [Forsberg] did.”
After his retirement, David Poile has had some time to think back on his choices as general manager while he works on his golf game, watches the Predators play, and speaks with incoming general manager Barry Trotz. After all, hindsight is 20/20.
He’s clear about this transaction.
“Looking ahead, I wish Shea hadn’t been moved. When I say that, I’m telling you the truth.”
