Editor’s note: Shea Weber was named the 30th captain in Canadiens history on Monday. This story, originally published in March, attempts to define the intangible qualities he brings to the team, qualities that led the Canadiens to name him captain Monday.



Shea Weber’s value to a hockey team is like a piece of abstract art; you need to look at it in just the right way to see its beauty.



Yes, you can look at goals and assists, both for and against, and look at a variety of other numbers that show how effective Weber can be and where some of his weaknesses are, but that is not where his value ends. In fact, it barely even scratches the surface.



There are few players around the NHL that have an aura about them anymore. For the few who do, it is generally because of their offensive exploits, the things we can watch them do on the ice with our own eyes that make us marvel at their skill, their gifts. Sidney Crosby has an aura. Connor McDavid already has...