No longer will people overlook PK Subban

In light of the new 8yr 72 million dollar deal PK Subban just signed I thought it might be fun to take a quick look back at him as a prospect and see how he got to this point today.

Was the highest scoring defencemen on his AAA team the Markham Islanders, with 43 points in 67 games. Proceeded to go in the 6^th round of the OHL draft.

Had a great draft season putting up an impressive 56 points in 68 games (0.82 ppg). Ranked 7^th in defencemen scoring in the OHL. Fell to the second round (pick 43) and was the 16^th defencemen drafted. Wasn’t even the first player from his own team drafted as Eric Tangradi went a pick immediately before him.

Followed up the draft season with two remarkable seasons. Put up 122 points in 114 games (1.1ppg), leading the Bulls to a Memorial Cup berth in 2008.  Was the Bulls captain in his final year, the 2008-09 season. Also participated in the World Junior tournament, twice representing Canada, winning two gold medals.

Despite the offensive production, leadership abilities and international competition Subban was sent to Montreal’s AHL affiliate the Hamilton Bull Dogs for the 2009-10 season. Subban again thrived, putting up 53 points in 77 games, good enough for third among all AHL defencemen and fourth among rookies.  

Had a solid first two seasons in the NHL putting up a respectable 38 points in 77 games in 2010-11 and 36 points in 81 games 2011-12. Establishing himself as one of the better young players in the NHL, Subban did not receive a long term contract offer from Montreal following the 11-12 season. He chose to hold out, missing the first six games of the season. Subban eventually signed a very team friendly bridge deal; 2 years/5.75 million. Subban went out that season and won the Norris Trophy as the league’s best defencemen.

Follows up his Norris Trophy performance with 53 points in 82 games and being one of the best possession drivers on the Canadians. Marc Bergevin low-balls his superstar and the two sides headed to arbitration.

Today we know that story ends as Subban signed that massive deal mentioned at the start. He had been successful at every stage in his career, whether it be the OHL, the AHL or the NHL. He finally gets rewarded after time and time again failing to receive the recognition he should have. I’m thinking this new deal gives him all the recognition he need now.