In late June of 2016, the Montreal Canadiens executed one of their most unexpected and contentious trades in team history. After enduring a challenging season marked by Carey Price’s prolonged absence due to injury, the team witnessed a significant decline in performance, slipping to the lower ranks of the NHL standings despite a promising start when Price was healthy. The hockey world was stunned when the Canadiens swapped P.K. Subban, a former Norris Trophy winner, for Shea Weber of the Nashville Predators. Both players were esteemed top-tier right defensemen with hefty contracts: Subban had six years remaining on his $9 million cap hit deal, while Weber had a decade left on his contract with an annual cap hit exceeding $7.8 million.

This trade sparked intense controversy among Canadiens fans. While some welcomed Weber’s presence on the team, others vehemently opposed the move, considering it one of the franchise’s worst decisions. The debate persisted for years, with passionate arguments continuing even after both players had concluded their careers. To this day, discussions online still ignite over which team ultimately benefited from the deal.

David Poile, the former general manager of the Predators who orchestrated the trade, recently expressed regret over the deal in an interview with Paul Skrbina of The Tennessean. Poile admitted that he wished the trade hadn’t occurred, acknowledging the complexities that arise when financial considerations and agents become involved, potentially overshadowing the hockey aspects of decision-making.

Weber went on to spend five seasons with the Canadiens, contributing to their journey to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021. Meanwhile, Subban’s immediate impact helped propel the Predators to the final in 2017. Despite both players finding success with their new teams, Poile’s retrospective sentiment suggests a recognition of the trade’s unfavorable outcome for the Predators.

While Poile’s perspective as one of the key decision-makers should settle the debate, it’s likely that discussions will persist among fans and analysts, fueled by differing interpretations and loyalties.