Yannick Weber

Yannick Weber (born September 23, 1988) is a Swiss professional ice hockey forward/defenceman currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted by the Canadiens in the 3rd round (73rd overall) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, and is the first player in franchise history to wear jersey No. 68.

Playing career
Weber began his professional hockey career in his native Switzerland playing for SC Langenthal of the National League B, the second-highest tier of Swiss hockey. However, he moved to Canada in 2006 to develop his game with the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League. In two seasons with the Rangers, Weber scored 96 points and added 26 more in the playoffs. In 2007-08, his last season with the Rangers, he helped the team to their fourth J. Ross Robertson Cup championship and to the final of the Memorial Cup championship.

The Canadiens signed Weber to a three-year entry-level contract in the summer of 2008. He spent the majority of the next two seasons with the Hamilton Bulldogs, the Canadiens' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, with his strong play earning him limited action with Montreal and a spot in the 2009 AHL All-Star Game.

Weber scored his first career NHL goal during the 2009 playoffs, April 20 against Tim Thomas of the Boston Bruins. Weber scored his first NHL regular season goal on February 9, 2011, also against Tim Thomas. Weber contributed two goals during the Canadiens' first round 2011 playoff series against the Boston Bruins, both times beating Tim Thomas. Weber scored a power play goal contributing to a 5-1 win against the Winnepeg Jets' first regular season game in 15 years on October 9, 2011.

International play
Weber is already a mainstay on the Swiss national team. He made his international debut at the 2005 IIHF World U18 Championships in the Czech Republic. He went on to represent his country three times at the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, captaining the team at the 2008 tournament where he scored 6 points in as many games. Weber made his senior international debut at the 2009 IIHF World Championship in his home country. Weber was also named to the Swiss roster for the 2010 Winter Olympics. He did not register a point in five games at the tournament.