Canadiens trade Subban to Predators for Weber

The Montreal Canadiens traded defenseman P.K. Subban to the Nashville Predators for Shea Weber on Wednesday, the clubs announced.

It's a straight one-for-one trade.

Subban had a no-movement clause in his contract that would have kicked in on July 1. His name had been in the rumor mill for months, but the trade still comes as a shock. His contract runs through 2021 at a salary cap hit of $9 million.

Weber is now the former captain of the Predators. He's signed through the 2025-26 season at $7.857 million. By the salary cap, the two players were the highest-paid defenders in the NHL.

Subban had six goals and 45 assists last season, but was a lightning rod for criticism after Montreal's season fell apart after a very strong start. Weber had 51 points and scored 20 goals - the third time in his career he's hit the mark.

Weber's a five-time All-Star and three-time Norris Trophy finalst, while Subban's twice participated at the annual midseason showcase. Trade talks began to get serious at last week's draft, according to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun.

Montreal general manager Marc Bergevin said the following in a statement:

We completed today an important transaction which I am convinced will make the Canadiens a better team. It was also one of the most difficult decisions I had to make as general manager of the Montreal Canadiens. In Shea Weber, we get a top-rated NHL defenseman with tremendous leadership, and a player who will improve our defensive group as well as our powerplay for many years to come. Shea Weber led all NHL defensemen last season with 14 powerplay goals. He is a complete rearguard with impressive size and a powerful shot. P.K. Subban is a special and very talented player. He provided the Canadiens organization with strong performances on the ice and generous commitment in the community. I wish him the best of luck with the Predators