New Jersey Devils Pull Off Blockbuster Trade To Land P.K. Subban

by Collin HelwigJune 24, 2019, 10:13 amDaily Digest, News >

Those owning NHL ’19 may stop and look twice the next time they slide in their disc ready to hit the virtual ice, as the video game’s cover athlete, P.K. Subban, now sports new colors after trading in the Nashville Predators threads that Subban parades across the game’s cover.

Now a New Jersey Devil, Subban looks to captain the ship as a key piece during the Devils’ current rebuild stage. His top-tier defensive skills and ability to total over 50 points during multiple seasons adds needed talent to the lowly 31–win Devils. As exchange pieces for Subban, New Jersey sends over defenseman Stevn Santini, prospect Jeremy Davies, a 2019 second-round pick, and another 2020 second-rounder. The Devils will eat up Subban’s entire contract, as Subban’s high price and consequential heavy cap hit likely explains why the Predators proceeded to move the former Norris Trophy winner.

Subban played seven years as a Montreal Canadian before being traded to the Predators. As a Predator, Subban helped the team along an unexpected yet impressive ride to the 2017 Stanley Cup Final, which they eventually lost to the Pittsburg Penguins 4–2.

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Prior to joining the Devils, both sides expressed respect and favorability toward each other, as Nashville general mange David Poile stated: “We appreciate P.K.’s contribution to the Predators and the Nashville community over the past three seasons, which have seen our organization have unprecedented success. He was an integral part of our run to the 2017 Stanley Cup Final, the 2018 Presidents’ Trophy and back-to-back Central Division titles. His work off the ice speaks for itself.”

Subban himself issued his thanks to the Predators and their fans as well with a tweet.

Devils general manger Ray Shero quickly expressed his excitement after acquiring Subban’s talents. After the trade, Shero stated, “Personality’s great. If this was the NBA … they have personality. There’s nothing wrong with that. P.K. Subban is a great kid. He’s got enthusiasm. And I like that. Freshness is good. Adding talent is one thing. But the whole idea of P.K.’s enthusiasm for the game and for life, I think that’s a real positive for us and for the NHL.” Subban is set to commence his time as a Devil once the NHL season opens up in early October.