Weber back on shelf after knee surgery

Montreal defenceman sidelined 5-6 months with torn meniscus

In the dark about the knee surgery, much of the talk among fans and media ahead of free agency centered on finding a left-side defenceman to play on the top unit with Weber. So far, no new defenceman has been added.

“Due to the complexity of the situation from a medical standpoint, and to avoid any distractions, it has been decided in the best interest of the Canadiens’ organization to proceed with this announcement following the NHL draft and the free-agency period,” the team said in a statement.

It was the second surgery this year for Weber, who underwent a procedure to repair a torn tendon in his left foot in March, which was to keep him sidelined until Weber September or October.

Club surgeon Dr. David Mulder said the damage to Weber’s knee was discovered after a knee arthroscopy as part of his rehabilitation from foot surgery.

Weber has eight years remaining on a contract with a US$7.8-million cap hit. The 6-foot-4 Sicamous native turns 33 on Aug. 14.

MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens will be without injured defenceman Shea Weber until mid-December, adding fuel to a fiery debate that has raged since the NHL club acquired the veteran in a trade for fan favourite P.K. Subban.

The Canadiens announced Thursday that Weber underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee in Vail, Colo., on June 19.

His recovery time is expected to be five to six months.

The Canadiens waited two weeks to announce the surgery. General manager Marc Bergevin didn’t mention it when he spoke to the media on the opening day of free agency July 1, when he said the team hopes to make the playoffs this season.