With defenceman P.K. Subban still without a contract for the upcoming NHL season, questions have been raised over whether he actually still plans to play. In an interview with
Montreal Gazette, agent Don Meehan said not only does his client still want to play, he deserves the opportunity to be picky about his next deal.
"He wants to play, I can tell you that," said Meehan. "But I think at this stage in his career he would want to play somewhere that would provide a good opportunity for him. Without sounding too aggressive, I think he's earned the privilege to be somewhat selective in terms of where he would play so that it works for the team and it works for him. In other words, he doesn't just want to play anywhere. He has that measure of independence."
Subban will make nowhere near the $9 million per season he was getting on his last contract. However, the 33-year-old should have no issue being a depth blueliner, and Meehan said there's plenty on interest.
"P.K. just came back from vacation and I talked to him today about the free-agency marketplace and I've indicated to him that we've had expressions of interest," Meehan stated. "I've told him that there are teams moving money — assessing what kind of cap space they have, analyzing their depth scenarios to determine just exactly what they can do. Some of these issues are in play as we speak..."
Subban isn't the dynamic player he once was, no question about it. In fact, 2021-22 was his worst season since his rookie year when looking at points-per-game. Subban finished with 5 goals and 22 points in 77 games. He's had 4 seasons of 50+ points, and one season of 60. There had been some speculation that he'd sign for league minimum to play with his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs.The Leafs are currently $1.5 million over the salary cap, but there's plenty of time for moves before the season begins.
Source:
Montreal Gazette
