Weber (undisclosed) led all skaters with 25:54 of ice time in Saturday's preseason loss to Columbus. He did not factor into the scoring but registered three hits and seven shots on goal. Weber missed Monday's game against the Blue Jackets after blocking a hard shot two days earlier against the Panthers, but was able to return to the lineup Saturday for the rematch against Columbus and looked no worse for wear. At this point, we expect him to open the season in good health and be one of the NHL's most productive blue liners. Draft with confidence.

Weber is not expected to start Monday's preseason scrimmage after blocking a hard shot Saturday against Florida, Eric Stromgren of The Tennessean reports. Weber, who appeared to be shaking off the effects of the shot on his way to the bench during Saturday's contest, skated with the team Monday but will reportedly not suit up against the Blue Jackets. Bottom line, at this point it sounds like Weber's absence from the lineup is purely precautionary, but consider him day-to-day for now until more details are known.

Shea Weber has now fallen just shy of winning the Norris Trophy three times. Weber finished third in the voting in 2014 after coming in second in 2011 and 2012. He had a terrific season and excelled offensively with 23 goals and 56 points in 79 games. He should remain one of the league's top defensemen for years to come.

Nashville GM David Poile is not looking to trade Shea Weber. "We're keeping him, we're building our franchise around him," Poile said Wednesday in an attempt to put an end to any lingering rumors. "I think we've got one of the best young defenses in the league. I think he's got an excellent chance of winning the Norris Trophy in 11 or 12 days from now. Why wouldn't we build our team around him? That's exactly what we're doing." Weber is a finalist for the Norris Trophy and he led the team in scoring with 56 points in 79 games.

Shea Weber has been nominated for the James Norris Memorial Trophy. He led all NHL rearguards with 23 goals and finished first on the Predators with 56 points in 79 games. Weber also led all blueliners with 12 power-play markers and he ranked fourth in the league in average ice time per match (26:54). He was runner-up for the Norris in 2010-11 and 2011-12.

Shea Weber scored his 23rd goal of the season in the Predators' last game of the year on Sunday. That ties the personal high he set in 2008-09. Weber concluded this past campaign with a career high 56 points in 79 games. "If he doesn't win the Norris this year it's going to be an absolute crime," former coach Barry Trotz said.

Shea Weber had a goal and an assist in a 7-5 win over Chicago on Saturday. Weber has only been held off the scoresheet once in his last six games. He leads all defensemen with 22 goals and is tied for fourth place with 55 points in 78 contests.

Shea Weber notched a pair of goals for the Predators in a 6-1 drubbing of the Sabres Thursday night. The beastly defenseman has now scored 20 goals on the season, marking the second time he has reached this plateau in his career. The Predators also received contributions from Eric Nystrom, Colton Sissons, Calle Jarnkrok and Colin Wilson in the victory.

Shea Weber's 2013-14 performance has impressed long-time coach Barry Trotz. "He's not getting the accolades across the league that he would if we were a little higher in the standings, but it's by far his best season in terms of production," Trotz said. "And we're basically breaking in five defensemen, maybe four ... and he's having a terrific season. So to me, he's having by far his best season as a Predator, as a pro." Weber has registered 18 goals and 46 points in 70 games. His minus-9 rating has been misleading because of Nashville's struggles.

Shea Weber recorded a goal and an assist in Nashville's 4-1 victory over Buffalo. His 16th goal of the 2013-14 campaign held up as the game winner. He wired a wrister behind Sabres netminder Jhonas Enroth, which prompted coach Barry Trotz's praise. "Everybody thinks about the slap shot, but probably (Weber's) wrist shot is, to me, his most effective shot," Trotz said. "When he gets in there on top of the circles and snaps it off, it's the most effective, and I think he can place it better. But he can loosen you up with a couple of slap shots, I know that." Weber has amassed 42 points in 63 matches this year.