Contrary to earlier reports, Shea Weber's hockey-playing future is apparently not in question.
The Montreal Canadiens captain was a trending topic early Wednesday after former TV analyst Nick Kypreos reported that Weber's ongoing injury issue could be a season-ender and put his career in doubt. Weber has been on injured reserve since Feb. 6 with what the Canadiens called a "lower-body injury," leaving plenty of room for speculation about the extent of the 34-year-old defenseman's ailment.
Hours went by before the Canadiens released a statement Wednesday afternoon, announcing that Weber had suffered a left ankle sprain that would keep him out four to six weeks.
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"Shea Weber underwent a re-evaluation of his left ankle by orthopedic specialist Dr. Robert Anderson today in Green Bay, Wisconsin," the statement read. "This evaluation took place after the swelling in his ankle had decreased."
The team added that Weber is expected to make a full recovery from the injury, which he suffered in a game against the New Jersey Devils on Feb. 4.
The Canadiens' announcement surely is welcome news for Canadiens fans who may have feared the worst after Kypreos' tweet, in which the longtime pundit cited sources who said Weber's season was "likely over and his future in question."
Weber himself was "very displeased" about the report, according to Sportsnet's Eric Engels.
A Canadiens representative informed me the team received the update on Shea Weber early this aft after he came out of his appointment with Dr. Anderson and that Weber was very displeased to see speculation about his career being in jeopardy. Everything was inconclusive b4 today.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) February 12, 2020
Engels added that the Canadiens and Weber were "extremely relieved" to receive good news on the seven-time All-Star's health.