P.K. Subban excited about larger role at NHL Awards

LAS VEGAS -- Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban is not only nominated for the Norris Trophy at this year's NHL Awards show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Wednesday (7 p.m. ET; NBCSN, SN, TVA Sports), but he will be an important part of the broadcast for a second consecutive year.

Subban will be the host of the Samsung NHL Social Lounge, interviewing players backstage and checking out what is trending on social media. It is a step up from last year's job when Subban hosted the red carpet arrivals of the players prior to the ceremony.

With his role escalating, it would be fair to wonder if Subban is preparing a bid to actually host the show one year.

"I'd much rather be winning a Stanley Cup every year or coming here to be a nominee of some award rather than coming here to host it every year or interviewing players who have won awards," Subban said Tuesday. "But you know what? It's a privilege to be a part of the show. And if you look at it the past two years, I've had the best of both. In a year I wasn't a nominee, I got to participate in a way that didn't really take attention from the award winners but was complementary to the show and to the fans. This year, I'm going to be able to do both, be a nominee for something and also help out in backstage situations."

To say Subban didn't take attention away from the award winners isn't entirely fair. He performed his duties as red carpet host in a sharp peach suit, setting a high bar for his guests to try to match.

"That's one category where I can't help guys," Subban said, laughing. "That's on them if my suit steals the show."

Subban would not give any hints as to what he will be wearing for this year's edition Wednesday, but promised it would be worth tuning in just to find out. But aside from showing off his fashion sense, Subban enjoys the platform the NHL Awards provides for him to put his personality out there for fans to see.

"It's exciting. I enjoy that stuff," he said. "You guys know me. I'm goofy."