Ducharme 'very confident' Weber will play Game 1 vs. Leafs

It appears the Montreal Canadiens will have their captain back for the start of the playoffs.

Head coach Dominique Ducharme told reporters Saturday he's "very confident" Shea Weber will return to action for Game 1 against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday, according to The Athletic's Arpon Basu.

The defenseman missed the team's final eight games of the season with an upper-body injury.

Weber was expected to participate in Montreal's first practice ahead of the postseason Saturday. Brendan Gallagher and Phillip Danault, who were also sidelined with ailments to close out the season, took part.

Youngsters Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Cole Caufield were both extras in practice Saturday alongside Michael Frolik. However, Ducharme suggested things could look different in the coming days.

Weber racked up six goals and 13 assists in 48 games this season.