PK Subban seems to be a lightning rod for criticism ever since joining the NHL during the 2009-10 season. This time, however, the criticism is coming from himself. In a year-end interview with NHL.com, Subban admitted to failing the club in his first year with the New Jersey Devils.
"I think that in some ways maybe I failed in terms of making my teammates better at times," Subban said. "I've been very fortunate in my career to have great individual years, whether it's awards or being up for trophies.
"I played on some really good teams that have won awards and have been to a Stanley Cup Final (with the Nashville Predators in 2017). I also understand that not every year is going to be the same and not every situation is going to be the same, but your responsibility is to be a good teammate, push your teammates, make them better."
Subban won the Norris Trophy in 2013 as the league's best defenceman. in 2019-20, he had a career worst in assists (11), points (18) and power-play points (six) in 68 games with the Devils. That said, Subban stated he's aiming for a comeback year.
"I'd like to play in Stanley Cup playoffs again and, you know, bring this team together and to a place where we can compete for a Stanley Cup again," Subban said. "I also understand that it's a young team, so that's a process. I still feel I can get better, so I want to continue to work with our coaching staff and my teammates. A big thing, too, is just jelling as a team, getting used to playing with new teammates."
Devils coach Lindy Ruff, will be starting his first season behind on the bench with New Jersey on January 13th, believes Subban has it in him to turn his game around.
I still look at P.K. as a tremendous player," Ruff said. "I've had great conversations with him about how much effort he's put into his conditioning. We're going to see how things turn out in the first half of camp, but I think P.K. wants to make a difference. He wants to get his game back to where he thinks he can be a premier defenseman in the League."
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