Montreal Canadiens Top 25 Players Since 2000: Ranking Standout Habs (Nos. 11-15)
With a long Olympic break in the NHL schedule, it presents an ideal opportunity to compile a definitive list of the top 25 Montreal Canadiens players since the year 2000. The franchise has experienced more lows than highs over this period, missing the playoffs ten times while advancing to the conference final twice (2009-10 and 2013-14) and reaching the Stanley Cup final once in 2021. More than 300 players, including 28 goaltenders, have worn the Canadiens sweater since the 2000-01 season began. Selecting the top 25 involves evaluating personal statistics, awards, impact on the team and fans, and longevity with the organization.
In this third installment of a five-part feature series, we focus on players ranked from 11th to 15th, highlighting their contributions and memorable moments in Montreal.
No. 11 — Shea Weber
Shea Weber's world in Nashville was upended when Predators General Manager David Poile traded him to the Canadiens on June 29, 2016, in exchange for P.K. Subban. The trade occurred just a week after Weber had won the NHL's Mark Messier Leadership Award as captain of the Predators. Poile described it as one of the toughest days of his career, noting he traded Weber's contract more than the player himself. At 31 years old, Weber was entering the fifth season of a massive 14-year, $110 million contract with an annual salary-cap hit of $7.86 million.
Then-Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin seized the opportunity to acquire Weber, parting ways with Subban and his flamboyant personality, which clashed with the coaching staff. Weber's reserved demeanor contrasted sharply with Subban's, and he often shied away from the intense Montreal spotlight. However, over five seasons with the Canadiens, Weber provided the leadership Bergevin sought, earning the nickname "Dad" from younger teammates. He succeeded Max Pacioretty as captain after Pacioretty's trade to the Vegas Golden Knights ahead of the 2018-19 season.
Weber's leadership shone brightly during the 2021 Stanley Cup playoff run, where he played through a torn UCL in his thumb, a torn ankle tendon, a meniscus injury in his knee, and a groin tear sustained in the semifinal series. Despite these injuries, he appeared in all 22 playoff games, averaging 25:13 of ice time per game as the Canadiens reached the final before falling to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Weber never played again after the 2021 final due to his injuries, but his contract continued to be traded, moving from the Golden Knights to the Arizona Coyotes (now Utah Mammoth) and finally to the Chicago Blackhawks. The 40-year-old Weber, inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame last year, is in the final season of his contract, earning $1 million this season while counting as $7.86 million against the Blackhawks' salary cap.
No. 12 — Alex Kovalev
Alex Kovalev is arguably the most talented player the Canadiens have had since 2000, which made his inconsistent performances all the more frustrating for fans. During his five seasons in Montreal, Kovalev earned two nicknames: "The Artist" for his skill and "The Enigma" for his unpredictable play. He also developed a reputation as a coach killer, though former head coach Guy Carbonneau noted they had a good relationship, adding that Kovalev was simply not an easy athlete to coach.
When motivated, Kovalev could dominate games with his exceptional skills. His best season came in 2007-08, when he recorded 35 goals and 49 assists for 84 points. No Canadiens player reached the 80-point mark again until Nick Suzuki achieved 89 points last season. In 314 regular-season games with Montreal, Kovalev tallied 103 goals and 161 assists for 264 points, ranking ninth in points among Canadiens since 2000-01.
One of Kovalev's most memorable moments occurred on March 25, 2006, against the Toronto Maple Leafs. After Darcy Tucker attempted a cheap shot, the 6-foot-2, 222-pound Russian responded with raw emotion, flattening Tucker with an elbow and engaging in a fight, sending Bell Centre fans into a frenzy.
No. 13 — José Theodore
In 2002, José Theodore became the first Canadien since Guy Lafleur in 1978 to win the Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player. He also captured the Vézina Trophy that season as the league's top goaltender, posting a 30-24-10 record with a 2.11 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage. Theodore was the first Canadiens goalie to win the Vézina since Patrick Roy in 1992.
Over nine seasons with Montreal, Theodore compiled a 141-158-35 record with a 2.62 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage. For comparison, Carey Price's career marks with the Canadiens were a 2.51 GAA and a .917 save percentage over 15 seasons, only slightly better than Theodore's.
Theodore made history on January 2, 2001, becoming the first Canadiens goalie—and sixth in NHL history—to score a goal in a regular-season game, also making 32 saves in a 3-0 win over the New York Islanders. Another iconic moment came at the Heritage Classic on November 22, 2003, when he wore a Canadiens tuque over his mask during a 4-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in minus-28°C temperatures, sparking a trend that made those tuques popular Christmas gifts that year.
No. 14 — Patrice Brisebois
Defenceman Patrice Brisebois spent 16 seasons with the Canadiens, beginning in 1990-91. His 371 career points with the team rank sixth all-time among Canadiens defencemen, behind legends like Larry Robinson and Guy Lapointe. During his final six seasons with Montreal—interrupted by two years with the Colorado Avalanche—Brisebois recorded 158 points. Since 2000-01, only four Canadiens defencemen have amassed more points: Andrei Markov, P.K. Subban, and Jeff Petry.
Despite his offensive contributions, Brisebois often became a target for fan criticism. During a preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres on September 27, 2003, fans booed him repeatedly, even after he scored a power-play goal in a 3-1 win. General Manager Bob Gainey publicly defended Brisebois, calling the booing "bulls–t" and labeling the critics "gutless bastards" who were not welcome. Brisebois expressed gratitude for Gainey's support, emphasizing that he played for those who appreciated him, including family and friends.
Last October, Brisebois was named president of the Canadiens' Alumni Association, succeeding Réjean Houle, who stepped down after 27 years in the role.
No. 15 — Jaroslav Halak
Goaltender Jaroslav Halak was instrumental in the Canadiens' run to the Eastern Conference final in 2010, where they ultimately lost to the Philadelphia Flyers. Halak posted a 2.55 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage over 18 playoff games that year, including a standout 53-save performance in a 4-1 win over the Washington Capitals in Game 6 of the first round. His heroics inspired fans to create stop signs with "HALAK" instead of "ARRÊT," which appeared throughout Montreal.
Selected in the ninth round (271st overall) of the 2003 NHL Draft, Halak played four seasons with the Canadiens, compiling a 56-34-7 record with a 2.62 GAA and a .919 save percentage. His playoff numbers were even more impressive, with a 2.48 GAA and a .923 save percentage in 21 games. Halak's success created a goaltending controversy with Carey Price, the fifth overall pick in the 2005 draft. General Manager Pierre Gauthier resolved the situation by trading Halak to the St. Louis Blues on June 17, 2010, in exchange for Lars Eller and Ian Schultz.
The series continues tomorrow with a look at players ranked Nos. 6-10, further exploring the legacy of standout Canadiens since the turn of the century.
