P.K. Subban announces retirement from hockey

NHL defenseman P.K. Subban has announced his retirement from hockey.

— P.K. Subban (@PKSubban1) September 20, 2022

Subban released the following statement on Tuesday morning on his social media accounts announcing his retirement:

“I remember my dreams of playing in the NHL and winning a Stanley Cup, similar to the guys on the Don Cherry Rock’em Sock’em tapes at the end of every volume, with the black eyes, broken bones, and tears of joy. To this day, I still dream about it,” Subban wrote on his Instagram account.

However, the end of this chapter is closing and after 13 years in the NHL, I have made the decision to retire.

I never looked at myself or ever felt I was “just a hockey player.” 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.

I want to thank my parents, Karl and Maria for literally being the best people I have ever met! I have been spoiled everyday with love and support from you, and I don’t know how to put into words how grateful I am for the sacrifices you guys have made for me. I’m so fortunate to have the best and most supportive brothers and sisters I could ask for.

To all my fans that have supported me and continue to support me since the first day I stepped on to the ice, thank you! You picked me up when I was down, supported me through tough times and had my back through it all!

To an amazing league that gave me the opportunity to compete at the highest level with some of the best athletes in the world. The NHL also provided me with a platform that allowed me to give back thru my charities. A sincere thank you to the many players that I either played with or competed against who brought out the best in me. A heartfelt appreciation to the Montreal Canadians, Nashville Predators and New Jersey Devils for each representing organizations with class and integrity.

I look forward to the road ahead, and the many exciting opportunities to come. I’m excited to share what those are with you all when the time comes!

With love, appreciation, and all the happiness I could ever hope for, P.K.”

Subban retires after 13 seasons in the NHL, with 115 goals, 352 assists, and 467 points in 834 games for the Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, and New Jersey Devils, as well as 18 goals, 44 assists, and 62 points in 96 playoff games. At the height of his career, he was one of the best defensemen in the league, winning the Norris trophy in the 2012-13 season, when he had 11 goals, 27 assists, and 38 points in 42 games.

Subban was chosen in the second round of the NHL Draft by the Montreal Canadiens in 2007. He didn’t make the Habs until 2009. He then spent the next seven seasons with them before he was dealt in the infamous one-for-one swap with Shea Weber to the Predators. He spent three seasons in Nashville before he was traded to the Devils for Steven Santini, Jerome Davies, and two second round picks, and Subban played the final three seasons of his career in New Jersey.

While Subban has yet to announce his post-retirement plans, many believe that he will transition to broadcast considering how much he’s worked in the media already during his offseasons.