Canadiens ship P.K. Subban to Nashville for defenseman Shea Weber

As first reported by Nick Kypreos, Montreal is sending Subban to Nashville on a straight one-for-one player swap.

Before the draft, rumors were swirling that the Canadiens were up to something when General Manager Marc Bergevin was scheduled to hold a press conference. Bergevin tempered the rumors, saying that he “never shopped Subban” and that realistically, there’d be no way Montreal would trade their No. 1 defenseman.

Instead, the Canadiens have sent 27-year-old Subban to the Predators in exchange for 30-year-old Weber. Subban has been a staple of Montreal’s blue line for seven seasons, and has put up 215 points in 434 career games. Despite his status as Montreal’s best defenseman, and arguably best player behind goaltender Carey Price, he was never a really good fit with the Canadiens, mostly of their doing.

Going back is Weber, who is under contract with a $7.85 million cap hit until 2027 after the Flyers offer-sheeted the defenseman in 2012. Weber was the captain of the Predators, though he may be past his peak in terms of overall play.

The move is a stunning one from Montreal, who moved their best defenseman for one that will be under contract for the next 11 seasons. Meanwhile, the Predators look to be set on their blue line with Roman Josi and a swath of new defensemen picked up in this year’s draft.