One of the NHL's best personalities called it a career last offseason, as defenseman P.K. Subban announced his retirement from hockey.
Thank You! pic.twitter.com/rpyePEKvyG
— P.K. Subban (@PKSubban1) September 20, 2022
"I never looked at myself or ever felt I was 'just a hockey player,'" Subban said in his statement. "I always looked at myself as a person who happened to play hockey.
Having that perspective allowed me to enjoy every shift like it was my last, celebrate every goal with emotion, and play every game as if someone paid to watch me play who had never seen me play before."
Subban spent 13 seasons in the NHL, beginning with the Canadiens for seven years before he was traded to the Predators. After three years in Nashville, he was moved again, this time to New Jersey for three years with the Devils.
The 33-year-old's monster eight-year, $72 million deal from 2014 expired this summer, making him an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career.
During his tenure in the league, Subban racked up 467 points in 834 career games, including 63 goals. He won the Norris Trophy in 2013, recording 38 points in 42 games during the shortened season. The Toronto native also won the King Clancy Award this past year for his leadership qualities on and off the ice.
In his prime, Subban was one of the top defensemen in the league. He played with intensity and passion, and was an excellent distributor of the puck. Coupled with all the work he did in communities off the ice, he was a fan favorite, especially during his early years in Montreal.
MORE: NHL world reacts to Zdeno Chara hanging up the skates after 24-year career
With a role already secured at ESPN, it won't be the last we've seen of Subban working in the NHL, but we have seen the last of him on the ice.
Why did P.K. Subban retire?
Subban did not specifically give a reason for his retirement. In his statement he did mention how he is looking forward "to the road ahead, and the many exciting opportunities to come."
At just 33 years old, Subban could have still played in the league. He averaged 18:18 time on ice with the Devils last season. While he is now longer the top player he used to be, Subban could have filled in on a depth role for a team. It's possible that Subban did not want to play sheltered, third-pairing minutes.
What's next for P.K. Subban?
Subban already has a role with ESPN. The defenseman made a couple of appearances in the spring of 2021 before getting more broadcast time once the Devils' 2021-22 season ended.
The former defenseman has become one of the analysts for ESPN's coverage of the NHL. Subban is frequently seen during on the panel for pregame, intermissions and postgame coverage of the night's events.
In addition, Subban is set to host an ESPN+ show called "P.K.'s Places", part of the "Places" TV series started by former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning.
"Anything I stamp my name on, I want to be heavily involved," Subban said in the 2022 summer. "This is really important. This is something that I take very seriously and telling stories and I want to shine the best light on hockey and pull out as much of the rich history of the game that I can and share that with our fan base and share that with the fans that don’t know a whole lot about the game of hockey. Everything that we’re trying to do is to grow the game."
MORE: Nathan MacKinnon signs monster deal to become highest-paid player in NHL
Subban also is heavily involved off the ice in community service, as he's most notably known for his philanthropy with the Montreal Children's Hospital.
Who are P.K. Subban's siblings?
While Subban is no longer playing in the NHL, the family will still be represented in the league.
Malcom Subban, the middle brother in the group, is a goaltender with the Sabres. The 28-year-old split time last season in the NHL with Buffalo and the AHL with the Rochester Americans.
The two also have a younger brother, Jordan, who has played in the AHL and ECHL. He is currently a free agent.