News

P.K. Subban Dismisses Criticism Of NHL Legend Wayne Gretzky For His Relationship With Trump

Former NHL player P.K. Subban has defended hockey great and TV analyst Wayne Gretzky for his relationship with controversial President Donald Trump.

Gretzky was seen at Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, when he teased the possibility of naming Canada the “51st state” with Gretzky as governor. This caused tension between the two countries, and later, Trump backed off, saying Gretzky is a “free agent.”

Gretzky was also seen at a Washington Capitals game with FBI Director Kash Patel.

Subban came to the defense of “The Great One” when he was interviewed by the Toronto Sun, saying, “I’d like to know what they’ve contributed to the country and what they’ve contributed to the game of hockey,” he continued, “we’re in an opinion-based world; everyone has an opinion, and that’s great. But my job isn’t to listen to everyone’s opinion … Wayne’s paid his dues.”

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

“He’s been in the trenches. He went to Nagano. He’s put together Hockey Canada. He’s played for Hockey Canada. He’s represented the country. He’s represented the league. He’s done it all. I’m sorry for people who feel (he betrayed Canada). So I would say this, ‘You have zero credibility to comment on Wayne Gretzky and the decisions he makes,’” Subban told the Toronto Sun.

Subban attributes some of the Four Nations Tournament’s success to Trump’s comments about Canada, which sparked a fierce rivalry between the U.S. and Canada.

Sam Lanier

Senior at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism & Mass Communication at Arizona State University

Recent Posts

Sean McVay Hopes The Rams Won’t Play Another Game In Australia After Week 1 Loss

After a lackluster season-opening loss, Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay said he will not…

16 hours ago

Saquon Barkley Injury Update: RB Ready To Play Against Bears

Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley left last Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans with a…

16 hours ago

Jaxson Dart To Undergo Season-Ending Knee Surgery

Another injury blow for New York Giants fans, and it looks like another season to…

17 hours ago

Eagles Add Depth To Secondary, Sign Kenny Moore To Practice Squad

After the Indianapolis Colts released him in May, where he spent his entire career, Kenny…

17 hours ago

Deion Sanders: A Few Guys ‘Not On The Team Anymore’

Colorado Football Head Coach Deion Sanders has dismissed an unknown group of players from the…

17 hours ago

New Police Video Shows Paige Bueckers With Taser Aimed At Her Face

WNBA star Paige Bueckers had a taser pointed at her face during her teammate's arrest…

18 hours ago