PK Subban is back with the Montreal Canadiens after agreeing to a two-year, $5.75 million contract. The restricted free agent defenceman will be paid $2 million this season and $3.75 next season.
“I’m very anxious to get back on the ice,” Subban said on a conference call. “The biggest motivation is our team. I’m so excited to get back on the ice with our team.”
Montreal announced the deal shortly after 7 p.m. on Jan. 28 from their twitter account.
Canadiens sign defenseman P.K. Subban to a two-year contract. DETAILS-> goha.bs/WK9WdE
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) January 29, 2013
Subban, 23, is arguably the face of the franchise. His dynamic personality and offensive skill have made him a fan favourite in Montreal after playing only three seasons.
“He’s a really good young defenceman,” Habs GM Marc Bergevin said. “Today is a good day for the Montreal Canadiens.”
But when his entry-level deal expired and he was due for a pay raise, the negotiations took a turn and Subban was forced to miss the first four games.
“It’s a process,” Subban said. “Sometimes you don’t agree with the process, but at the end of the day I’m extremely happy.”
(Christinne Muschi/ Reuters)
Last season in 81 games, Subban scored seven goals and added 29 assists. He will be a welcome addition to the Habs lineup and will get a chance to score more playing with a healthy Andrei Markov, at least on the powerplay.
“My job is to do what my team needs me to do,” Subban said. “I’m ready to go whenever they give me the green light.”
“I’m ready to play.”
Although no decision on when he will return has been made, it is clear he won’t be in the lineup Jan. 29 when the Habs host the Winnipeg Jets.
There is a chance he plays when they visit the Ottawa Senators on Jan. 30 or it could be later in the week, when they host the Buffalo Sabers at the Bell Centre on Feb. 2.
Subban made sure to acknowledge the fans during the conference call.
“I think about the fans all the time,” Subban said. “I see them in my dreams.”
“I understand everybody will have their own opinions ” he added. “This is where my heart is, in Montreal.”
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