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Originally Posted by Bullsmith
Very good analysis, exactly how I see the player. I think he's shown enough fiestiness and improved strength this season to hope he can become a competent d in his own zone, if never a dominant one. At this point I think he can improve into at least a Wiz-level defensive player. He'll never be as tough, but he won't make as many passes directly to the other team.
Even if he doesn't he has exactly the kind of PP skills that the league just doesn't have enough of. He can play in this league based on that, especially as he gains a bit of confidence and cool and his hockey smarts start to show. He's not a budding star, but he can be a valuable piece of a winning hockey team moving forward. He has worked hard and improved his all around game tremendously over the last two years. No reason to think he won't continue to improve. He's 22.
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He put up 11 points in 41 games, so 22 pro-rated to 82 games. That's pretty steady production for a guy who doesn't have superstar potential (Subban) and is only in his first NHL season playing limited minutes at the age of 22. Duncan Keith only put up 21 points in 81 games his rookie season at that age. By no means am I comparing the two players, they aren't that comparable.. It's just pointing out a fact that obviously Weber has tons of room left to grow still.
I thought he was pretty steady in his own zone for what it's worth. Far more consistent than Spacek, Picard or Mara. Spacek had higher highs, but lower lows IMO. I like Weber a lot as a player and I really hope this does get confirmed, I think he can develop into a solid #4-5 D man who puts up 35-40pts a year on a consistent basis. Having young players on cheap contracts that can complement a solid veteran core is KEY in winning the cup in the post-lockout NHL. It's proven year after year, Weber is exactly the kind of guy that can provide that type of value for us.