Making their first appearance in front of the Montreal media on Tuesday, new Montreal Canadiens Shea Weber and Andrew Shaw were the centre of attention at head coach Michel Therrien’s annual charity golf tournament at Terrebonne, Quebec.

Weber, acquired last month from the Nashville Predators for defenceman P.K. Subban, told the huge scrum of reporters he won’t concern himself with trying to take the place of the fan favourite he was dealt for. 

“I understand that P.K. is a very popular player here and I understand that the fans are very passionate so hopefully I can come here and help this team win," he said. "That’s the bottom line, winning games.

“I’m looking forward to fitting in with this group and I think this is an exciting time to be here.”

Weber, who's been fitted with an 'A' as an alternate captain for next season, gushed about having the chance to pull on a Habs jersey for the first time at a photo shoot in Brossard on Monday.

“It was unbelievable, all the history,” he said. “You look around the locker room and all the guys on the wall it sends chills down your spine...it’s almost a surreal feeling. 

“It’s exciting to be back in Canada, let alone the Mecca of hockey. The place where people just eat, breathe and sleep hockey. It’s going to be something new but I’m definitely looking forward to it.”

Shaw was another key piece general manager Marc Bergevin added in a busy off-season, coming over from the Chicago Blackhawks on draft day. Shaw quickly inked a new six-year deal with the Canadiens worth $23.4 million.

The versatile and physical winger brings a championship pedigree to La Belle Province after winning two Stanley Cups in Chicago. He’s also very familiar with Weber from their days battling in the Western Conference.

“Bringing in Shea is huge,” Shaw said. “He’s probably the worst guy to play against. We faced each other a lot so I’m glad I don’t have to battle him in front of the net anymore.”

The Habs are also counting on Weber’s former Nashville teammate Alexander Radulov to make an impact this season. The winger is back in the NHL on a one-year deal after four seasons with the KHL’s CSKA Moscow.

Canadiens captain Max Pacioretty is enthusiastic about having the chance to skate with the dynamic Russian.

“[Radulov] could be one of the top five skill players in the world right now,” he explained. “As soon as we signed him I went to look at his highlights on YouTube and I got goosebumps because this guy is one of the most skilled players in the world. I’m really excited to play with him.” 

Pacioretty also praised the rest of the front office’s off-season moves, saying he likes the way the roster looks heading into the season.

“We addressed areas that needed to be addressed,” he said. “Our power play was not good enough last year and we needed to score more goals.”