No more fictitious arrows will be flying into the stands of NHL arenas after one NHL defenseman, P.K. Subban, has decided to hang up the skates after a decorated career with the Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, and New Jersey Devils.
Subban announced his retirement Tuesday after playing in 834 games. His Don Cherry impersonations can continue on a panel, perhaps as an analyst here in the near future.
"“I look forward to the road ahead, and the many exciting opportunities to come,” Subban wrote in his public announcement on Instagram. “I’m excited to share what those are with you all when the time comes.”"
The three-time All-Star was selected 43rd overall in 2007 by the Montreal Canadiens where he spent the bulk of his career.
Subban won one Norris trophy (2013) posting 467 points over 13 seasons and did so as one of the most prolific blue-liners in that span. According to Quant Hockey Subban is No. 13 in points among NHL defensemen since joining the league.
After almost a decade with the Canadiens General Manager, David Poile made a franchise-altering decision. Poile traded captain Shea Weber for Subban straight up on June 29, 2016.
Subban came into Nashville with high expectations after a 51-point season in 2015-16, both with on-ice performance and his leadership.
“P.K. Subban is one of the best defensemen in the National Hockey League… offensively he’s an equal to Shea Weber,” Poile told NHL.com following the trade. “This was an incredibly hard deal to make.”
During his three-year stint with the Predators, he had many memorable impacts and became an icon in Nashville with his infectious personality.
Humanitarian Contributions
First and foremost, Subban wanted to give back and take care of the communities he was involved with.
One of the biggest things Subban gave other than his time with fans and children was his donation to the Montreal Children’s Hospital.
Subban pledged $10 million and as a result, the hospital’s atrium was named after him.
While being in Nashville Subban had Blueline Buddies where he paired a local police officer and an underprivileged child to attend a Nashville Predators game.
The children and officers who participated would meet with Subban before and after a home game. It was a full package for those involved with tickets, dinner, and autographs all courtesy of the defenseman.
Subban was also involved with numerous hospital visits to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Best Goals with Nashville Predators
Subban introduced himself to Nashville with a bullet from the blueline when he made his home debut following one of the biggest trades in franchise history:
Subban dubbed himself a fan favorite after scoring against one of the biggest rivals, the Chicago Blackhawks, and the rest of the 2016-17 season is history.
Later that season on the way to the Stanley Cup Final, Subban came up clutch in the first game of the second round against St. Louis.
Subban contributed three of the four goals to take Game 1 of the series. The first was a shot from Subban and tipped in by Colin Wilson. His lone goal of the game was a point shot, and then he found Filip Forsberg for a goal en route to a 4-3 Game 1 win.
2017 Stanley Cup Final
The Predator’s lone finals appearance was in part thanks to Subban’s contributions to the team. He put up 40 points in 66 games and then 12 points in 22 postseason contests.
Forwards Ryan Johansen and Kevin Fiala went down and Subban was a piece that kept the engine running for the Predators.
Yes, the Nashville Predators fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games, however, Subban will go down in franchise history as one of the players that was part of an unforgettable 2016-17 team.
Subban didn’t stop there though as a member of the Predators. The following season Subban was a Norris Trophy finalist putting up 59 points in 82 games.
After one more season in Nashville, Subban was dealt to the New Jersey Devils where he concluded his career.