Shea Weber Injury: Updates on Predators Defenseman's Status and Return

The Nashville Predators evened their playoff series with the Chicago Blackhawks at 1-1 Friday night, but they suffered a major loss in the victory as superstar defenseman Shea Weber exited the game due to injury. 

Continue for updates.

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Weber Out 4-6 Weeks With Subluxed Kneecap

Monday, April 27

"Shea Weber suffered a subluxed kneecap during Game Two of the Nashville Predators playoff series against the Chicago Blackhawks," the team announced. "After multiple evaluations, Shea underwent a medical procedure. He is expected to make a full recovery within four to six weeks."

On April 24, the Predators announced that Weber would miss the rest of their first round series with the Blackhawks, but didn't tear his ACL:

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The Nashville Predators announced Friday that Captain Shea Weber will miss the remainder of the club’s Western Conference Quarterfinal series against the Chicago Blackhawks due to a lower-body injury the defenseman suffered in Game Two of the series. However, contrary to erroneous broadcast and media reports over the last 24 hours, he did not suffer an ACL injury. Further updates will be provided as they become available.

The Predators face the Blackhawks in Game Six on Saturday from the United Center in Chicago (7 p.m. CT, NBC). Chicago leads the best-of-seven series three games to two.

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On April 18, Adam Vingan of The Tennessean reported Weber wouldn't travel with the team for Games 3 and 4 in Chicago due to the lower-body injury he suffered in Game 2:

Per Kevin Wilson of NashvillePredators.com, the 29-year-old blueliner will be re-evaluated when the series shifts back to Nashville:

It is unclear what Weber's status is for Game 5 and beyond, but the Predators may be in dire straits by that point.

The four-time All-Star posted 15 goals and 45 points for the Preds during the regular season, and he is the anchor of what is arguably the best defense corps in the NHL.

Weber's absence severely damages Nashville on both ends of the ice, and a dynamic offensive team like the Blackhawks will do everything possible to take advantage of the Preds' captain being out of the lineup.

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