Oct 04 Canadiens Recall Yannick Weber

As suspected, with the loss of Andrei Markov for 3-4 months and now with the news that Ryan O’Byrne will be sidelined for approximately 6 weeks, the Canadiens had to eventually call up someone from the Hamilton Bulldogs.

That someone is Yannick Weber.

While the Canadiens chose to maintain their roster of 6 defensemen after Markov got injured during last Thursday night’s game in Toronto, they now have little choice as they got word that Ryan O’Byrne, who left Saturday’s game against the Sabres limping, is out for 1-2 months with a knee sprain.

Some pontificated that Mathieu Carle should have gotten the nod, however it is clear that Weber, with his shot from the point has the advantage and will be called upon during the Habs’ powerplay in the coming weeks.

It will be interesting to see just where Carle figures on the depth chart, if ever a second defenceman is needed and the choice has to be made between he and young PK Subban.

Following is the official Canadiens’ press release.

CALGARY, Alberta (October 4, 2009) – The Montreal Canadiens announced today that defenseman Yannick Weber has been recalled from the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs.

Weber, 21, was one of the last players released from the Canadiens training camp on September 29. The 5’11’’ 193 lbs defenseman played in four of the Canadiens seven preseason contests. He was held pointless with a 0 plus/minus differential and recorded five shots on goal.

Weber played three NHL regular season games with the Canadiens in 2008-09, recording one assist (0-1-1). He added two points (1-1-2) in three NHL playoff games.

Tags: ahl \ Andrei Markov \ habs \ Hamilton Bulldogs \ Mathieu Carle \ Montreal Canadiens \ NHL \ PK Subban \ recalled \ Yannick Weber