Ice Hockey Wiki
Register
Advertisement
P.K. Subban
P. K. Subban
Position Defence
Shoots Right
Height
Weight
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
210 lb (95 kg)
Teams Montreal Canadiens
Nashville Predators
New Jersey Devils
Born (1989-05-13)May 13, 1989,
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
NHL Draft 43rd overall, 2007
Montreal Canadiens
Pro Career 2009 – 2022

Pernell-Karl Sylvester Subban; born May 13, 1989) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman. Between 2009 and 2022, he played 13 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, and New Jersey Devils. The Canadiens selected Subban in the second round, 43rd overall, of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. In 2013, he won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenceman, and tied with Kris Letang as the season’s leading scorer among defencemen. In the summer of 2014, he signed an eight-year, $72 million contract with the Canadiens, running through the 2021–22 season. After the 2015–16 season, Subban was traded to the Nashville Predators, where he spent three seasons before being traded to New Jersey in 2019. He is also an analyst for the NHL on ESPN.

Playing career

Junior

Subban spent his junior career with the Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). In 2005–06, he recorded 12 points in a 52-game rookie campaign. In 2006–07, he improved to 56 points in 68 games, where he was later drafted by the Canadiens in the off-season at the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Subban then recorded 46 points in just 58 games during the 2007–08 campaign, before adding 23 points and matching his regular season goals total of eight in the post-season. He helped Belleville to the J. Ross Robertson Cup Finals against the Kitchener Rangers, where they lost the OHL title in seven games. Subban finished his four-year junior career with 76 points in 56 games in the 2008–09 regular season, with the Bulls advancing to the league playoffs, losing in the OHL semi-finals.

Professional

Montreal Canadiens

In May 2009, two weeks after his last junior game, Subban was signed to a three-year, entry-level contract by the Canadiens.[1] He began the 2009–10 season with the Hamilton Bulldogs, Montreal's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. Later in the season, he was then selected to play in the 2010 AHL All-Star Game in Portland. Shortly thereafter, he earned his first call-up to the Canadiens on February 11, 2010, and, on the following day, registered his first career NHL point, an assist, in his debut against the Philadelphia Flyers on February 12.

On April 26, 2010, Subban was recalled from Hamilton during the Canadiens' first round Stanley Cup playoff series against the Washington Capitals.[2] He recorded his first NHL playoff point, an assist, in his first career NHL playoff game, on April 26.[3] His first goal came in Game 1 of the Canadiens' second round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 30, 2010.[4] In Game 3 against the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2010 Eastern Conference Finals, Subban became the third rookie defenceman in Canadiens history to register three assists in one game.[5] In all, Subban recorded one goal and eight points in 14 playoff games for the Canadiens, who ultimately fell to Philadelphia.

After the Canadiens were eliminated by the Flyers, Subban was returned to the Bulldogs, who were still in contention in the Calder Cup playoffs.[6] At the end of the AHL season, Subban was awarded the AHL President's Award in recognition of his accomplishments for the year.[7]

On March 20, 2011, Subban became the first Canadiens rookie defenceman to score a hat-trick in a game, which came in an 8–1 victory over the Minnesota Wild.[8]

Subban being interviewed after the 2010 AHL All-Star Classic

Playing in 81 games in the 2011–12 season, Subban recorded seven goals and 29 assists. A restricted free agent after the season, Subban sat out the first four games of the 2012–13 season, which was postponed until January 2013 due to a labour lock-out, while the two sides negotiated a contract. On January 28, 2013, however, Subban eventually signed a two-year, $5.75 million deal with Montreal.[9] He scored 11 goals and 27 assists, matching his career-high 38 points despite playing in only 42 games due to the lock-out. At the end of the season, he was awarded with the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL's defenceman of the year, edging-out Kris Letang and Ryan Suter for the honour.[10] On July 3, 2013, Subban was named to the NHL first All-Star team.

Subban then played all 82 games during the 2013–14 regular season, in which he registered a total of 53 points, ten of which were goals. During the 2014 playoffs, he was one of Montreal's most important assets, registering 14 points in 17 games as the Canadiens ultimately reached the Eastern Conference Finals, falling to the New York Rangers.

Subban became a restricted free agent at the close of the 2013–14 season when his contract expired. According to the NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), Subban earned the right to salary arbitration, having signed his first Standard Player Contract between the ages of 18 and 20 and having accrued four years of professional experience or more.[11] He subsequently filed for arbitration before the deadline of July 5.[12] The hearing took place on August 1, 2014, with Subban's camp asking for a one-year deal worth $8.5 million, while the Canadiens offered a one-year deal worth $5.5 million.[13]

Under NHL CBA rules, the parties could continue to negotiate and reach an agreement until the arbitrator announced her decision, given in the 48 hours following the hearing. As arbitration was player-elected, once the arbitrator released her decision, the team would have had 48 hours to agree to the terms or walk away from the player, thereby making Subban an unrestricted free agent.[11] The day after the hearing, on August 2, it was announced that Subban and the Habs had agreed to terms on an eight-year, $72 million contract, running through the 2021–22 season.[14] The contract made him the highest-paid defenceman in the NHL and third-highest-paid League player overall at the time.[15] It included a no-trade clause that would take effect July 1, 2016.

On September 15, 2014, Subban was named an alternate captain of the Canadiens along with Max Pacioretty, Tomáš Plekanec, and Andrei Markov as Montreal head coach Michel Therrien elected not to name a captain following Brian Gionta's departure in off-season.[16]

Nashville Predators

On June 29, 2016, Subban, in a blockbuster move, was traded to the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenceman Shea Weber.[17] In his first season with the club, Subban recorded 10 goals and 40 points in 66 games. The Predators qualified for the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs in the final wild card spot in the Western Conference. The team advanced to the 2017 Stanley Cup Finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins, but were defeated in six games. Subban finished the postseason with 12 points in 22 games.

On May 2, 2018, Subban was named one of three finalists for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy as a player who best exemplifies leadership qualities and gives back to his community.[18] The award eventually went to Daniel and Henrik Sedin.[19]

New Jersey Devils

On June 22, 2019, the second day of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Subban was traded to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Steven Santini, prospect Jérémy Davies, and two second-round draft picks in an effort for the Predators to free up salary cap space.[20] Subban faced one of his former clubs, the Montreal Canadiens, for the first time on November 16, 2019, a 4–3 Devils' victory. Subban faced another one of his former clubs, the Nashville Predators on December 7, a 6–4 Predators' victory. In that game, Subban was given a tribute video and a standing ovation from Predators fans.[21]

Subban's debut season in New Jersey was statistically the worst season of his career, recording just 18 points in 68 games and a career worst plus–minus of –21. At season's end, Subban was nominated for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. He would later be a finalist for and win the same award in 2022, in recognition of his commitment to "racial and social justice, underserved youth, COVID-19 relief and youth hockey."[22]

On September 20, 2022, Subban announced his retirement from professional ice hockey.[23][24]

International play

Medal record
Pernell Karl Subban - Switzerland vs. Canada, 29th April 2012-2
Subban with Team Canada during an exhibition game against Switzerland in 2012
Competitor for Flag of Canada Canada
Ice hockey
Winter Olympics
Gold 2014 Sochi
World Junior Championships
Gold 2008 Czech Republic
Gold 2009 Canada

Subban was selected to play for Canada at the 2008 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in the Czech Republic.[25] He saw limited ice time as Canada's seventh defenceman, but was able to help the team capture their fourth consecutive gold medal at the tournament, defeating Sweden in overtime in the final. Subban again represented Canada at the 2009 World Juniors in Ottawa, taking on a more central role with the team.[26] He scored three goals and nine points and a differential of +12 in the tournament, helping Canada to its fifth consecutive gold medal as they once again defeated Sweden in the final. Subban was named to the Tournament All-Star team, along with Cody Hodgson and tournament MVP John Tavares.[27]

Subban was invited to participate in the 2012 IIHF World Championship, but was injured during pre-tournament play.[28] In the next season, Subban was a late addition to the Canadian team at the 2013 edition of the tournament;[29] he joined them in the elimination round for one game, which Canada lost. On January 7, 2014, Subban was named to Canada's 2014 Winter Olympic team for participation in the games in Sochi in defence of their 2010 gold medal.[30] They won gold, prevailing 3–0 over Sweden in the tournament final.

Personal life

Subban's parents both immigrated to Ontario from the Caribbean in the 1970s. His father, Karl, moved from Jamaica to Sudbury, and his mother, Maria, came from Montserrat to Hamilton.[31] Karl is a retired school principal.[32] Subban was born in Toronto and raised in the city's Rexdale neighbourhood.[33] He has four siblings: Nastassia, Natasha, Jordan and Malcolm.[34] Malcolm is a goaltender who was selected by the Boston Bruins in the first round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, and currently plays for the Buffalo Sabres.[35] During the Vegas Golden Knights' inaugural season (2017-2018), Malcolm and P.K. faced each other in the NHL regular season for the first time in a December 8, 2017 game on the elder Subban's home ice (Nashville's Bridgestone Arena). Malcolm, starting in net for the injured Marc-André Fleury, earned the win.[36] Jordan was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the fourth round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.[37]

P. K., Malcolm, and Jordan all played for the Belleville Bulls during their junior career. Growing up, Subban was good friends with Toronto Maple Leafs player John Tavares.[38] He also played and won a Triple-A Novice title with Tampa Bay Lightning captain and star Steven Stamkos.[39]

Although he was raised in Toronto, Subban did not grow up as a fan of the hometown Toronto Maple Leafs. He revealed on the Montreal talk show Tout le monde en parle[40] that he always wanted to play for Montreal ever since he was a kid. He also said that Canadiens' legend Jean Béliveau was one of his biggest idols growing up as a hockey player.[41]

During the 2018 NHL Awards, Subban was revealed as the cover athlete for the NHL 19 video game.[42]

In June 2018, Subban began a relationship with American skier Lindsey Vonn.[43] On August 23, 2019, they announced their engagement[44] and on Christmas day 2019 Vonn proposed to Subban.[45] On December 29, 2020, they both announced their breakup on Instagram. Vonn announced that the two had parted ways and remained friends.[46]

On October 21, 2020, Subban and Vonn were announced as members of the ownership group of Angel City FC, a Los Angeles-based team that will start play in the National Women's Soccer League in 2022.[47]

In November of 2022, ESPN announced that Subban had signed a three-year contract to become a full-time in-studio analyst at the network. He will also cover some upcoming hockey games. Subban had been a contributor to the channel during last season’s Stanley Cup playoff coverage.[48]

Endorsements

In addition to the RW&CO. deal, Subban's marketing company, P.K.S.S., has landed him several business partnerships including ones with Adidas, Bridgestone, Gatorade and Air Canada.[49]

Personality and style

Subban is known for his exciting and hard-hitting style of play as well as having a colourful personality that has been criticized by some as brash and self-absorbed.[49] In an interview with ESPN.com, he addressed it:

Off the ice, Subban has a well-known, stylish sense of fashion. He often is seen in designer suits and unique accessories. That appreciation of style has been parlayed into being the spokesman for a RW-CO line of suits.[50] Subban was ranked in the top 50 of Best Dressed athletes by Sports Illustrated and made their alternate cover page in July 2018.[51] In May 2019, P.K Subban showcased his hatmaker Gunner Foxx and bespoke tailor and shoemaker Sartorialto for GQ Magazine.[52]

Philanthropy

On September 16, 2015, Subban announced a commitment to raise $10 million for the Montreal Children's Hospital by 2022.[53] The hospital called it "the biggest philanthropic commitment by a sports figure in Canadian history".[54] After his donation, Subban continued his commitment as spokesman and organized the "Winter Wonderland" with Air Canada at the hospital before the holidays.[55] In 2017, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division) in recognition of how his "generous gift stands as an example of how professional athletes can positively change lives in their communities".[56] He was also added to the Google.org Impact Challenge judge panel in Canada, to help choose which organizations should receive money to help Canada.[57] After his trade to Nashville, Subban continued his philanthropy. The "P.K.'s Blue Line Buddies" focused on building better relations between law enforcement and inner-city youths, by treating a police officer, a youth and their guests to a Predators home game with perks like autographs and dinner in Bridgestone Arena's Patron Platinum Club.[58] After being traded to the New Jersey Devils, Subban continued his Blue Line Buddies initiative in New Jersey.[59] Subban wanted to make sure that his program reached out to somewhere other than Nashville. In January 2018, Subban appeared on The Daily Show to discuss his philanthropy efforts with the children's hospital and his Blue Line Buddies program.[60][61]

In June 2020, Subban donated US$50,000 to the GoFundMe effort to raise money for Gianna Floyd, the daughter of the late George Floyd.[62]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

    Regular season   Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2005–06 Belleville Bulls OHL 52 5 7 12 70 3 0 0 0 2
2006–07 Belleville Bulls OHL 68 15 41 56 89 15 5 8 13 26
2007–08 Belleville Bulls OHL 58 8 38 46 100 21 8 15 23 28
2008–09 Belleville Bulls OHL 56 14 62 76 94 17 3 12 15 22
2009–10 Hamilton Bulldogs AHL 77 18 35 53 82 7 3 7 10 6
2009–10 Montreal Canadiens NHL 2 0 2 2 2 14 1 7 8 6
2010–11 Montreal Canadiens NHL 77 14 24 38 124 7 2 2 4 2
2011–12 Montreal Canadiens NHL 81 7 29 36 119  —  —  —  —  —
2012–13 Montreal Canadiens NHL 42 11 27 38 57 5 2 2 4 31
2013–14 Montreal Canadiens NHL 82 10 43 53 81 17 5 9 14 24
2014–15 Montreal Canadiens NHL 82 15 45 60 74 12 1 7 8 31
2015–16 Montreal Canadiens NHL 68 6 45 51 75
2016–17 Nashville Predators NHL 66 10 30 40 44 22 2 10 12 29
2017–18 Nashville Predators NHL 82 16 43 59 82 13 4 5 9 10
2018–19 Nashville Predators NHL 63 9 22 31 60 6 1 2 3 0
2019–20 New Jersey Devils NHL 68 7 11 18 79
2020–21 New Jersey Devils NHL 44 5 14 19 26
2021–22 New Jersey Devils NHL 77 5 17 22 82
NHL totals 834 115 352 467 905 96 18 44 62 133

International

Year Team Event Result   GP G A Pts PIM
2006 Canada Ontario U17 5th 5 0 1 1 0
2008 Canada WJC Gold medal icon 7 0 0 0 2
2009 Canada WJC Gold medal icon 6 3 6 9 6
2013 Canada WC 5th 1 0 0 0 0
2014 Canada OG Gold medal icon 1 0 0 0 0
Junior totals 18 3 7 10 8
Senior totals 2 0 0 0 0

Awards and honours

Award Year
OHL
First All-Star team 2009
AHL
All-Rookie Team 2010
AHL All-Star Game 2010
First All-Star team 2010
NHL
NHL All-Rookie Team 2011
James Norris Memorial Trophy 2013 [63]
NHL First All-Star Team 2013, 2015
NHL All-Star Game 2016, 2017, 2018
NHL Second All-Star Team 2018
EA Sports NHL cover athlete 2019
King Clancy Memorial Trophy 2022
International
WJC All-Star team 2009

See also

References

  1. Canadiens sign defencemen Subban, Benoit to contracts (May 14, 2009).
  2. Subban's callup adds extra drama ahead of Game 6 (April 26, 2010).
  3. Dave Stubbs. "Subban solid in playoff debut with Canadiens", National Post, April 27, 2010. 
  4. Doug Harrison (April 30, 2010). Penguins' power play ices Habs.
  5. Tim Wharnsby (May 20, 2010). Canadiens dominate Flyers in Game 3.
  6. Springtime hockey continues for Subban (May 25, 2010).
  7. "Habs prospect Subban wins AHL honours", July 8, 2010. 
  8. Stéphane Laberge (March 26, 2011). P. K. Subban écrit l'histoire (fr).
  9. Canadiens sign Subban to two-year, $5.75M contract (January 28, 2013).
  10. NHL Awards: Capitals star Alex Ovechkin wins Hart Trophy as league's MVP. Winnipeg Free Press.
  11. 11.0 11.1 NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement.
  12. Ken Campbell (July 5, 2014). Great news for Canadiens fans: P.K. Subban files for arbitration.
  13. Sean Fitz-Gerald (August 1, 2014). A rundown of Montreal Canadiens defenceman P.K. Subban's arbitration hearing and what comes next.
  14. Canadiens agree to terms on an 8-year contract with defenseman P.K. Subban.
  15. Arpon Basu (August 3, 2014). Subban, Canadiens agree to terms on 8-year contract.
  16. Canadiens opt for four alternate captains this season (September 15, 2014).
  17. Allen, Kevin. "Canadiens trade P.K. Subban to Predators for Shea Weber", USA Today, June 29, 2016. 
  18. King Clancy Trophy finalists unveiled (May 2, 2018).
  19. Daniel, Henrik Sedin of Canucks win King Clancy Trophy (June 20, 2018).
  20. Predators trade Subban to Devils. TSN (June 22, 2019).
  21. P.K. Subban gets a warm tribute during his return to Nashville. NBC Sports (December 8, 2019).
  22. Lane, Jon (June 7, 2022). Subban of Devils wins King Clancy Trophy.
  23. Subban retires from NHL after 13 seasons. Retrieved on September 20, 2022.
  24. "P.K. Subban announces retirement after 13 NHL seasons", Sportsnet, September 20, 2022. 
  25. Canadian National Junior Team Roster Announced (December 14, 2008).
  26. Canada names final WJC roster (December 16, 2009).
  27. CANADA'S NATIONAL JUNIOR TEAM CAPTURES GOLD MEDAL AT 2009 IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP (January 5, 2009).
  28. "P.K. Subban injury highlights risk of playing at world championship", May 1, 2012. 
  29. Subban joins Canada (May 13, 2013).
  30. PK Subban, Carey Price will play for Team Canada in Sochi. CTV News (January 7, 2014).
  31. "The making of P.K. Subban's big-league heart", Toronto Star, October 12, 2015. 
  32. Subban family, Claireville school community gather for principal's retirement. Etobicoke Guardian (June 25, 2013).
  33. (December 11, 2013) "Can this family produce three NHL stars? The unlikely rise of Team Subban". 
  34. P.K. Subban's NHL dream. Toronto Star (December 24, 2007).
  35. Golden Knights claim goaltender Malcolm Subban off waivers from Bruins (October 3, 2017).
  36. "Golden Knights goaltender Malcolm Subban faces older brother for first time", Las Vegas Review-Journal, December 8, 2017. 
  37. Canucks make Jordan Subban fourth round selection. Belleville Bulls (June 30, 2013).
  38. Gordon, Sean. "Subban, Tavares set friendship aside, just for a night", The Globe and Mail, August 23, 2012. 
  39. Fitz-Gerald, Sean. "Old photo evokes thousand hockey memories", Toronto Star, May 1, 2016. 
  40. Erich Falkenhayn (October 6, 2014), P K Subban Le CH tatoué sur le coeur, <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlZs5Eekgbo>. Retrieved on March 3, 2017
  41. Da Main Source (September 16, 2015), Donation de 10 Millions: PK Subban Donne Son Discours En Français, <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIj-hHOs5FM>. Retrieved on March 3, 2017
  42. Subban of Predators to be on cover of EA Sports NHL19.
  43. "Vonn and boyfriend Subban go together like snow and ice", Associated Press, February 8, 2019. 
  44. NHL star P.K. Subban, Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn announce engagement (2019-08-23).
  45. "Lindsey Vonn proposes to P.K. Subban: 'Men should get engagement rings too'", USA today, December 26, 2019. 
  46. Day, Nate. "Lindsey Vonn, P.K. Subban split after three years together", Fox News, December 29, 2020. 
  47. National Women’s Soccer League (October 21, 2020). Angel City Confirms Name as Angel City Football Club and Officially Joins National Women's Soccer League. Press release.
  48. "Recently retired Subban joining ESPN as hockey analyst", TSN, November 10, 2022. 
  49. 49.0 49.1 Chuck Gormley. "P.K. Subban: There's a time and a place when it needs to be all about hockey", ESPN, November 21, 2017. 
  50. Men's Suits featuring PK Subban.
  51. Jamie Lisantl (10 July 2018). Presenting the 50 most stylish athletes in sports. SI.com.
  52. url=http://video.gq.com/watch/10-things-p-k-subban-can-t-live-without
  53. Mio, Kevin. "P. K. Subban's foundation pledges $10 million to Montreal Children's Hospital", The Gazette, September 17, 2015. 
  54. Fox, Luke (September 16, 2015). P.K. Subban making $10 million donation in Montreal. Sportsnet.
  55. P. K. Subban unveils Winter Wonderland at Montreal Children's Hospital. CBC News (December 24, 2015).
  56. Governor General to Present Honours in Montréal (February 27, 2017).
  57. "Google.org Impact Challenge | Canada". 
  58. "P.K. Subban's latest target – the barrier between police, kids", The Tennessean. 
  59. RELEASE: Subban Continues Blueline Buddies Program in Newark.
  60. Predators' P.K. Subban talks $10-million donation on 'The Daily Show' (January 25, 2018).
  61. "Predators' P.K. Subban appears on 'The Daily Show,' discusses 'Blueline Buddies' program", The Tennessean, January 22, 2018. 
  62. Kalman, Matt. P.K. Subban's Donation Latest Sign He Won't Be Fading From NHL Spotlight (en).
  63. Habs' Subban wins Norris Trophy. Sportsnet.ca (June 10, 2013).

External links

Awards and achievements
Preceded by
Erik Karlsson
Winner of the James Norris Memorial Trophy
2013
Succeeded by
Duncan Keith
Preceded by
Connor McDavid
EA Sports NHL Cover Athlete
2019
Succeeded by
Auston Matthews

]

Advertisement