THREE THINGS: Subban Embraces Role as Veteran Blueliner

The New Jersey Devils made a splash in the summer of 2019, acquiring All-Star defenseman P.K. Subban. The move brought an incredible amount of excitement to the franchise and from the start, and while his offensive numbers were not where Subban was used to seeing them, he has taken on a newer role as he hits 31-years old. One thing has always been clear about Subban, he wants to be a part of the solution to bringing this young team into the playoffs and to a Stanley Cup championship, and he's going to do it all while providing both entertainment on and off the ice.

P.K. Subban is the subject of this week's Three Things presented by Wawa.

1. Part of the Solution

While Subban's offensive numbers were not where he would have wanted them to be at the conclusion of the season, one thing is for sure, confidence is never lacking in the former Norris Trophy winner. With 11 years of experience, he entered the Devils locker room as one of the veterans and sees a long-term opportunity to bring the Devils back to a perennial playoff team. There has been an adjustment period for Subban, as he moved from Nashville to New Jersey, navigating the two positions the teams are in.

"I think that the past two years, definitely, have been different experiences," Subban told Men's Journal in May. "When you're on a team like Nashville that's got one Presidents' Trophy, Stanley Cup Finals, conference finals, winning divisions, and then going to [New Jersey, which] hasn't made the [Stanley Cup Playoffs] or has made it one year and out, and is a younger team, it's just a different situation.

"I want to win everything every year," he continued. "That's what you train for. If I didn't have the mindset of trying to be the best at what I do every day, then what's the point of doing it. You might as well retire."

At 31-years old, Subban is the veteran presence of the Devils blueline, after the team traded captain Andy Greene at the deadline in February.

2. What's the Good Word?

This will come as no surprise, he's had this quality from the very start of his career. P.K. always has a way with words. He's a guy you know in certain moments you're going to get a good quote from. He knows what to say and when to say it. This season P.K. provided the Devils media contingent with a couple of great moments.

Take for example Subban picking up the puck after rookie Jack Hughes earned his first NHL point.

"I hope when he gets his 1500th point he remembers who got him the puck from his first," he said in jest.

Or how about when he was first traded to New Jersey, making his media tour. Media noted with his personality and following how great the location close to New York City was.

"People mention New York a lot, and I don't play for New York, I play for New Jersey."

And then there was the one that drew massive applause from the crowd in attendance at Prudential Center. Subban had yet to even play a game for the team as he was introduced to his new fanbase.
He was gifted a Ric Flair robe that said 'Subbanator' and 76 on the back.

"This is unreal," Subban said. "I'm so jacked up right now it's unbelievable. Limousine ridin, jet flyin."

And of course, he followed it up with the classic 'Wooo!"

3. Are You Not Entertained?

There is little doubt that Subban enjoys entertaining the masses. And when the NHL took their pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was only natural for Subban to step up to make sure NHL fans still had a connection to the NHL game in a time where many were cooped up in their homes.

Subban was the perfect fit to host a weekly NHL trivia show and that's exactly how he's been spending much of his time. Subban has been hosting "NHL Hat Trick Trivia," a trivia show created by the NHL, that involves both fans and players, both current and alumni, as well as other known faces around the NHL. With no live sports, it has been the perfect way for the league to stay connected to its fan-base and having the contagious Subban personality as the host brought it all together.