Habs Report Cards - P.K. Subban Grade: B+
The 2015-2016 season was another roller coaster of a ride for Montreal Canadiens defenceman P.K. Subban. His highs and lows on and off the ice were picked apart on nearly a daily basis. Supposed feuds between him and his teammates, notably Max Pacioretty were tabloid material. The coaching staff and management continued to deal with him in confounding ways. Despite everything, Subban still managed to record 51 points in 68 games and likely would have gotten very close to his career high of 60 points had he managed to stay healthy.
Subban has always been known for his off-ice charitable contributions, be it monetarily or in the community. Right before the season began he announced a $10 million pledge to the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation who in turn named their new atrium after him. It was the single largest pledge by an athlete in Canada. An absolute mind-blowing number and move that speaks volumes for Subban’s character, his love of Montreal, and desire to make a difference. Subban didn’t simply donate money and disappear. He became involved with unpublicized weekly visits to children and created memorable moments of cheer that these kids will never forget.
Anyone else notice Subban is using both CCM and Easton sticks?
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) February 16, 2016
Subban’s play on the ice 5 on 5 was more conservative than in previous years. Did the coaching staff demand it from him or were there other factors as well? Subban no longer had the luxury of Carey Price in net to be the last man standing. As well, his frequent partner Andrei Markov visibly struggled in December and January. Was Subban compensating for Markov’s errors and lack of speed by staying back?
The friction between Subban and head coach Michel Therrien was most evident the night of February 17th in a match against the Colorado Avalanche. Walking the blue line in Colorado’s zone, Subban blew a tire and fell leading to the Avalanche seizing the puck and rushing towards the Canadiens net. However, the Canadiens blown coverage by captain Max Pacioretty is what ultimately led to the game winning goal. There was more than enough time for the team to recover from Subban’s initial error. Therrien promptly benched Subban for the rest of the game, despite the Canadiens needing his offence to help get back into the game. Post-game, Therrien took it a step further and called Subban’s play selfish. At the Canadiens next practice, Subban and Therrien seemed to have made amends but neither would back down from their viewpoint. Subban was trying to help the team win and it was simply unfortunate that he slipped, a rare occurrence. Therrien continued to preach the safe play.
Subban gives the Canadiens a better chance to win each time he is on the ice. This season though, his slightly more conservative play left fans wanting more. It was a good season by Subban but it wasn’t great, by his and our standards. There is still another level of play that he can reach. Hopefully, having Kirk Muller back behind the bench will help elevate not only the Canadiens powerplay but Subban as well.
Trade rumours are still running rampant as Subban’s no-movement clause kicks in on July 1st but in reality he is not going anywhere. There are very few defencemen that can replace Subban’s minutes and Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin is well aware of this.
If Subban had enjoyed a season like 2014-2015, I firmly believe he would have been on Team Canada’s roster for the World Cup. However, this past season Subban did not stand out in the same positive way. He was rarely in discussion for this year’s Norris trophy whereas he was a finalist the previous year. Brent Burns simply outplayed Subban this season. I fully expect Subban to bounce back in a big way in 2016-2017.
Cheers and follow along! Follow @Jenbcutler