It’s no longer December but we’re all still recovering from our various food induced comas over the holiday break. Why not sit back and do what Sabres fans do best, look toward the future.
I mentioned it was December because Mike Weber turned 23 on December 16th and it looks like he can celebrate that birthday as a honest-to-goodness NHL defenseman.
Weber entered the season as the 8th defenseman on the depth chart, but has leapfrogged Chris Butler, Craig Rivet and very likely Shaone Morrisonn as well. In the process he has proved himself capable of being a top-6 NHL defenseman.
Weber’s journey to the Sabres’ roster is an interesting one. Taken in the 2nd round (57th overall) of the 2006 NHL entry draft, the Sabres hadn’t intended to select Weber in the early rounds of the draft. It was Weber’s draft combine interview that moved him up the draft board.
Weber is the type of defenseman any team would love to have in their organization. He’s a very bright kid and knows exactly what it takes to make the NHL. Weber has impressed coaching staffs and scouts with his work ethic and willingness to improve.
At 6’2″, 211 Weber is the big, solid, physical defenseman the Sabres’ system has been light on in recent seasons. Yet Weber did not earn his stripes early in his career. After being drafted he played two more years of junior hockey before moving on to the pro ranks.
Weber spent the better part of three seasons in the AHL, one in Rochester and two in Portland. In his rookie season he earned a late season call up and played well paired with fellow rookie Andrej Sekera.
He found himself in Portland the next season when he became the odd man out on a crowded blueline. He missed most of the season due to injury and returned late in the season. He again was called up but did not live up to expectations.
In 2009-10 Weber made the AHL All Star Game, but never even got a call up as the Sabres were incredibly deep on the backend. Weber could have given up on the Sabres at this point, like Mark Mancari did at age 23, but Weber proved that his interview was, in fact, an insight into his great character and drive.
During the summer of 2010 Weber signed an offer sheet very early. He cited focusing on training camp as a reason for not holding out for more money or a multi-year contract extension. It paid off, as his offer sheet was a 1-way contract prompting the Sabres to keep Weber on their 23-man roster to start the season.
Weber struggled to get into the lineup early in the season. With 
the top-4 playing well and veterans Morrisonn and Rivet getting preference in lineup decisions. Weber got into a couple of early contests but struggled with decision making and skating.
Never one to give up Weber bided his time until he was inserted into the lineup due to injury. He hasn’t looked back. Weber has solidified the 3rd pairing in Buffalo, and while he’s made mistakes, has been a breath of fresh air for a struggling Sabres club.
He plays a game in the same vein if Steve Montador and Craig Rivet. Big, tough and physical. Weber plays the body whenever he can. He is a shutdown defenseman who he won’t put up big points, but he will prevent goals form being scored (minus the giveaway earlier this season).
He also adds a dimension of toughness that the Sabres desperately need. Weber hasn’t been afraid to tangle with some big names in his Rookie season. Taking on heavyweight tough guy George Parros, as well as attacking his hometown hero Sidney Crosby.
He gains confidence with every game he plays. He is developing his ability to pinch deep into the offensive zone to keep the puck in and the pressure on. He isn’t afraid to skate the puck himself and he clearly is adjusting to the speed of the NHL game. He was rewarded for his hard work with the first two goals of his career coming in a 4-2 victory over Edmonton on December 29th.
So some may ask why there is an interview process at the combine. The answer is guys like Mike Weber. He will never put up gaudy or flashy numbers, but he will do everything in his power to make your team, better. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is a future letter wearer in Blue & Gold. Happy Birthday Mike and congratulations, you’ve arrived.