On the Montreal Canadiens …
Chris Nichols of Today’s Slapshot: Bob McKenzie on TSN 1050 on the Montreal Canadiens and P.K. Subban.
“There’s going to be questions asked, obviously, about P.K. Subban. He’s got a full no-trade clause that kicks in on July 1. A year ago we were asking the questions about the Tampa Bay Lightning and Steven Stamkos because of his full no-trade.
“Now, it’s a little different situation – or maybe a lot different situation – because Steven Stamkos, we knew, was going into the final year of a deal where he’s going to be an unrestricted free agent. P.K. Subban is still in the midst of a long-term deal (where) he wouldn’t be going anywhere, and there’s no speculation on that front.
“But because a full no-trade is kicking in and we know that historically – let’s be honest. Marc Bergevin didn’t bestow that $9 million dollar-a-year contract on P.K. Subban. Owner Geoff Molson did. We know that to be an absolute fact, that Marc Bergevin wanted to go to the matt on arbitration with P.K. Subban, and Molson stepping in to avoid going to arbitration is what triggered the deal that he got.
“So I’m not sitting here saying, ‘The Montreal Canadiens are going to trade P.K. Subban.’
“I’m not saying that they’re planning to go down that road.
“What I would say is I’d be shocked if they don’t as an organization sit down and have a discussion about all of their options, including P.K., before his full no-trade kicks in, and see where it goes from there.”
Eric Engels: Unless GM Marc Bergevin endorses P.K. Subban like he did for coach Michel Therrien, there will be endless speculation until his no-trade clause kicks in on July 2nd.
Eric Engels: Two things come to mind with regards to the Canadiens and Subban: “1. How do you win a trade in which you’re moving a 30-min perennial Norris candidate? 2. Would Molson allow it?”
Eric Engels: “I’m inclined to say Subban won’t be traded. But not I nor anyone can guarantee that. Only Marc Bergevin or Geoff Molson can.”