Breaking: Vegas Golden Knights send veteran Shea Weber to the Arizona Coyotes

The Vegas Golden Knights have sent former All-Star defenseman Shea Weber and a fifth-round pick to the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for Dysin Mayo. The move is expected to have a major impact on the upcoming NHL Trade Deadline.

"NEWS: The Golden Knights have acquired Dysin Mayo from the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for Shea Weber and a 2023 fifth-round pick. #VegasBorn" - Vegas Golden Knights

The move has major financial implications for both franchises. The Coyotes will take over the remaining three years of Weber's contract, which runs through the 2025-26 season. He makes $7,857,143 against the NHL salary cap but is due only $3 million in actual salary over the next three seasons.

For Vegas, moving on from Shea Weber makes financial sense, as the team is close to the salary cap. For Arizona, the move adds yet another draft pick to their ever-growing treasure chest, which includes seven picks in the first five rounds this summer.

While Weber is by all means retired at this point in his career due to multiple injuries, having him on the roster will help the Arizona Coyotes remain above the NHL salary cap floor of $61 million after the trade deadline.

"Easy way for the Coyotes to reach the cap floor each of the next three seasons without having to pay much of Shea Weber’s salary. I’m not saying it is, but this could be a precursor to moving other significant contracts." - Craig Morgan

The acquisition of Weber's contract will allow the Coyotes to make additional moves without much risk of falling below the minimum team salary cap threshold. The move will also help the Vegas Golden Knights make a potential deal before the trade deadline, as the team will be less likely to run into a cap issue.

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A look at Shea Weber's career in the NHL

Most famously known for having one of the hardest shots in NHL history, Weber was one of the best defensemen of his generation. He was selected by the Nashville Predators in the second round of the 2003 NHL draft. Weber quickly became one of the top players on the team, becoming the fifth captain in franchise history.

After 11 seasons with the Predators, Weber was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in a shocking deal for P.K. Subban. Both players would have success with their new clubs, with Weber becoming the 30th captain of the storied Montreal Canadiens. Even while injured during his final season, he helped lead the Canadiens to a surprising Stanley Cup appearance.

"Shea Weber has now been in three trades, two since retiring due to injury." - CapFriendly

Injuries continued to take their toll on the defenseman. Nonetheless, he was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in a similar salary cap-related deal but was essentially retired at the time. Through 1,038 games in the NHL, Weber scored 224 goals and 365 assists for 589 career points.