Marc Bergevin expects Shea Weber to miss next season

© Provided by The Gazette Montreal Canadiens captain Shea Weber carries the puck up during first period against the Calgary Flames in Montreal on April 14, 2021.

Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin told reporters on Thursday that he expects captain Shea Weber to miss the coming season — and possibly those that follow — due to injuries.

“We’ll try our best,” he said, “but deep down I know we can never replace Shea Weber.”

Bergevin’s announcement comes after reports that Weber, 35, was dealing with thumb, foot, ankle and knee injuries.

He was left exposed to Seattle in the NHL expansion draft, but the Kraken selected young defenceman Cale Fleury from the Canadiens.

Weber has five seasons remaining on his 14-year, US$110-million contract with an annual salary-cap hit of $7.857 million.

This article will be updated…