from Eric Engels of Sportsnet,

Weber’s shadow still looms large in Nashville, where his return is highly anticipated by his former teammates.

“It will be, probably, an emotional return for him but also for us players,” said Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne, whose days alongside Weber date back to their time with Nashville’s AHL affiliate in Milwaukee.

From 2005 until last summer, Rinne had a front row seat to Weber’s maturation. He marveled at his quick transition from impactful young player into a sort of father figure for up-and-comers.

The goalie couldn’t help but chuckle as he reminisced about how protégés took cues from Weber on everything—from how to play the game to when it was (or wasn’t) appropriate for them to go out on the town.

“He had that presence, and had that respect from all of his teammates,” said Rinne. “Some of the younger guys—anything he said they’d listen. He’s also a guy you don’t want to upset; you want to earn his respect and be loyal to him as your leader.”

As 25-year-old Predators defenceman Ryan Ellis said, “[Weber] mentored almost all the guys we have here, we’ll always respect him.”

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