BROSSARD - The wait is finally over for Shea Weber. The Canadiens will have their captain in uniform on Tuesday night against the Carolina Hurricanes at the Bell Centre

The 33-year-old defenseman, who hasn't seen game action since December 16th, 2017, spent the last 11-plus months on the sidelines recovering from foot and knee injuries, both of which required surgery.

It goes without saying that the veteran blueliner has been eagerly anticipating his return to active duty after a lengthy rehab stint.

"I feel good. I feel really good," offered Weber, following Monday's practice at the Bell Sports Complex during which he was paired with David Schlemko on the back end. "There were a lot of ups and downs. It's been a long time. It's been frustrating, it's been hard, it's been grueling, but we're here. I'm excited right now to get going."

Video: Shea Weber on his return to the lineup

That shouldn't come as a surprise. Watching from afar early on this season has been especially tough for the ultra-competitive rearguard.

"If this was all in the summer, it would be a different story than watching 20 games of your team going to war every night and fighting and battling and not being able to help them," mentioned Weber. "Obviously, I'm just going to try and keep it simple, help out any way I can and hopefully help us moving forward."

Assistant captain Brendan Gallagher believes the effect of Weber hitting the ice alongside the rest of the group will be huge.

"He brings with him a winning attitude. He creates the culture within the group. He's won at different levels, and he knows what it takes. He's a competitive guy, and he wants to come in the lineup and help. He's got a lot of pride. I think he's really looking forward to coming in here and making an impact," praised Gallagher. "It's going to be a big boost, but I think we're all excited to watch him play. He's one of the best players in our game for a reason. He has been for a long time. Just as a fan of the game, I think you're excited to see him back on the ice."

Video: Brendan Gallagher on the return of Shea Weber

Head coach Claude Julien is certainly in agreement there.

"He's a very welcome addition, not just to the coaching staff but to his teammates," stressed Julien, who hasn't yet decided if the Schlemko-Weber pairing will remain intact for the tilt against Rod Brind'Amour's squad. "No doubt he'll be an upgrade for us."

Sporting the "C" for real

It was back on October 1st that Weber was named the 30th captain in franchise history.

While the six-time All-Star sported the coveted "C" on his jersey for the pre-game ceremonies during the home opener, he hasn't done so since.

That will change, of course, on Tuesday night.

"It's going to be special," said Weber, of the chance to play his first official game as the Habs' captain. "That was a special moment at the start of the year, but obviously not the same as being able to go out there and help the guys out and be a part of the team in a game situation and feel it through that way."

Like Gallagher, Schlemko is eager to see the 13-year NHL veteran back at work in his brand new role.

"I think everyone's excited, probably him the most. It's been a long wait for him. I'm sure he can't wait to get back at it and get that first shift under his belt. It's huge for the boys," mentioned Schlemko. "He's our captain. It'll be great to have him on the ice with us."

Video: David Schlemko on being paired with Shea Weber

Alzner placed on waivers

With Weber set to return, the Canadiens placed defenseman Karl Alzner on waivers.

During his post-practice press conference, Julien explained the rationale behind the move.

"There are a lot of teams right now with injuries on defense. We have a lot of players that are cap-friendly, who have contracts that are good to take on. We don't want to lose any defensemen. Teams all around the League are looking for more depth on defense. With Karl's contract, we think he's the player we have the least risk of losing. That gives us time to re-evaluate players like [Brett] Kulak, who we only saw for two games," indicated Julien. "We want to keep Kulak and see what he can do with more than two games. It buys us time to make good decisions. Those will come in time. It's tough for Karl, but he was always a team guy. His approach was incredible. It doesn't mean it's irreparable. We might see him again."

Video: Claude Julien's post-practice press conference

Gallagher is hopeful that will be the case at some point down the road.

"The way Karl handled everything, I know as teammates we really appreciate it. It didn't go unnoticed that he continued to work hard right through everything. In and out of the lineup, he didn't change his attitude," praised Gallagher. "Hopefully, he remains a part of this team going forward and I still think he's going to be a part of our group."

Alzner has played just eight games so far this season, collecting just one assist and amassing a plus-2 differential.

Another chance for Kulak to prove himself

No doubt Kulak is pleased to be sticking around with the big club.

Now, it's up to him to make the most of his opportunity as Julien and the rest of the staff continue to assess his performance.

"It feels good. For me, the trade at the start of the season was different. I'd never been traded before, so coming to a new organization was different," said Kulak, on the October 1st transaction that brought him over from the Calgary Flames. "Everyone has their own ways of doing things, so adjusting in Laval and then coming up here a few days ago, you get to know a bunch of new guys and new teammates and how they do things day by day. I'm just taking things day by day and trying to adjust, as well as keep working on my game and stay focused on myself and making sure I'm bringing my best for these guys."

Video: Brett Kulak on his play with the Habs

Through two outings, the 24-year-old rearguard has averaged 17:31 of ice time per game and put three shots on goal.