Joined: May 2019
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Would add this -- There is a lot of hate for Subban, for myriad of reasons. Big contract, big personality, etc. But his play on the ice has not been nearly as bad as some frequently say. He can still possess the puck, still has good shot, and is adequate defensively. For the next 2 years, he is probably a $4-6 million d-man...certainly not a $9 million.
The one criticism I can see however...he is not a team guy. And this has nothing to do with podcasts and social media. He at times doesn't pick up his teammates where he otherwise could.
One story - In late December, early January, NJD had a pretty decent run (for them). Beating some good teams in BOS, WSH, NYI. Their team was coming together, scoring goals, protecting one another. It was NJD's best hockey of the year. On the day Ray Shero was fired, NJD was playing TB at home in a tight game. At one point in the game, Kevin Rooney got into a scrum with one of the lightening players, Stamkos I believe, that ended up with Cirelli lying on top of Rooney, repeatedly punching him in the head. Everyone on the ice joined the scrum. But as all nine other players went to protect their teammates, Subban tried to pull the puck and go down on a 1-on-0 breakaway...and the TB goalie, McElhinney, just looked at him like 'what are you doing?...play is dead.' I believe the TV coverage stuck with the scrum. As Rooney, bloodied, and his teammates reemerged, you could tell from the look in their faces, they were not pleased with Subban. But PK went on to play a pretty decent game, was involved in some key moments, and NJD won a close game.
I don't know how common this type of thing was, I happened to be there and standing not far from the benches. But I could see clearly how Subban could play a good game while simultaneously be a distraction for the team.