Rocket:
We’re proud to unveil a new feature of the blog called “Ask All Habs”. We will feature a reader’s question and post our answers. Of course, you are all welcome to comment. Send your questions to allhabs@gmail.com
This week’s question comes from SwissChris:
What did you guys think of Weber’s debut last night? Do you think he’s going to stay with the big club?
Hey SwissChris,
Thanks for the question. I thought he handled a difficult situation reasonably well, considering he hasn’t really played forward throughout his young hockey career.
It was nice to see him playing on the blueline along side Roman Hamrlik in the third period and he played well.I love his skill set, breakout passes and that heavy, quick shot from the point. The Habs are missing a good point shot and Weber certainly can fill that need.
Unless there is an injury, I think Yannick Weber will return to the Bulldogs where he will certainly continue to develop his all-round game.I would be a bit concern if they kept him on the NHL roster without playing him on defense. It doesn’t help his development as a defenseman if Carbo continues to use him as a forward with PP duties.
In my humble opinion, he would be better served playing a few more games in Hamilton. With that being said, Weber has already shown improvement in the defensive part of his game and doesn’t look out of place in his first year in the AHL.In my opinion, he has played better than another Hab prospect, Mathieu Carle who is in his second pro season.If he progresses as expected, Weber will be given a fair chance to make the Canadiens roster next season, if not towards the end of this season with other prospects (similar to what they did last year when they kept numerous prospects during the playoff run)
Weber will only get better so have faith SwissChris, have faith!!!!
Habster
Hello SwissChris,
That’s a very good question. As Habster said, Yannick Weber was put in a very difficult position being asked to play forward last night. Weber was interviewed after the first period and he said that playing forward “is very new to me”. He also said that he was told just before the game that he would be on the 4th line. I happen to believe that it was unfair to ask him to assume that role. He was noticeably nervous, given that it was his first NHL game, and that was made worse putting him at an unfamiliar position.
The game conditions also made it difficult to assess any performances last night. Toronto seemed to be interested in scrums after every whistle. Interestingly, Weber said he was excited to face the Leafs as he had watched them so often while he was in Kitchener.
Having said all that, I think that Weber handled himself very well. He looked much better in the third period playing defense and got more comfortable on the point of the power-play as the game went on.
I agree with Habster that the best path for Weber’s development is returning him to Hamilton. It doesn’t do him any good to watch from the press box nor get sporadic shifts as a forward on the 4th line.
I think that Weber is a solid prospect and ahead of Mathieu Carle on the depth chart. Weber has obvious offensive talent. He has a terrific shot and knows how to get it to the net through traffic. He is also defensively responsible. He just needs to improve his physical game. I also really like his temperament. He is a calm, cool player.
It will be interesting to see what happens. I have feeling that Weber is another area of disagreement between Bob Gainey and Guy Carbonneau. A few weeks ago, Carbo was very firm in his position that Weber was not yet ready for his NHL debut but Yannick got the call-up anyway.
Thanks for your question SwissChris!
Rocket