Penguins/NHL
There is a big gap between the Canadiens and star young defenseman PK Subban on the contract front. Subban who is sitting out as he seeks a long term deal, is looking for a 5 year deal worth over $5.5 million per season. New Habs management is offering just a 2 year deal worth $5 million over the entire contract.
The Subban situation is becoming a nightmare scenario for the Canadiens and will they reach a point where they look to move him?
At this point the Canadiens are telling teams they’re not looking to move him under any circumstances but that could change if an interested team like Philadelphia begins to seriously consider making an offer sheet.
Subban, 23, had 7 goals and 36 points in 81 games last season. On a bad Canadiens team, Subban posted a + 9 rating. Subban is a do it all defenseman who had 105 hits and 113 blocked shots.
Subban is not yet a $6 million a year player but is a $4 to $4.5 million a year player.
It’s hard to see any scenario where the Penguins would have a lot of interest in Subban despite the need for a top-4 defenseman. An NHL source said “I don’t think he’s a Shero type of player {character wise} they would {look to} bring in.” However, what would it take for the Penguins to emerge as a trade match for Subban?
Those I’ve spoken with today feel it would have to be one of Kris Letang or James Neal and that’s the type of asking price Montreal will be looking for were they decide to move Subban.
On the surface, the Penguins don’t look like a match nor are there any indications they have any plans of pursuing him via trade.
