With a Norris Trophy now on his resume, the expectations for P.K. Subban have
never been higher. Despite an early contract holdout, Subban’s point
totals put him among the league’s elite last season, and with contract
negotiations pending, a repeat performance will be expected from all parties
involved. Subban will have several incentives to silence his critics with
a new contract looming and the opportunity to make Canada’s Olympic team, so one
can assume that P.K.’s efforts won’t wane. With all eyes on the young
defender, will P.K. be able to replicate his dominating season, or even improve
upon his numbers?
2012-2013
Despite the lockout and missing the first six games of the season over a
contract dispute, P.K. still managed to match his highest point totals.
His 38 points tied him with Kris Letang for most points by a defenceman, and
placed him second in team scoring, a single point behind Max Pacioretty.
His seven powerplay points (one behind teammate Andrei Markov) tied him for 5th in the
NHL. As previously mentioned, P.K. received top votes for the James Norris
Memorial Trophy for the league’s top defenceman, making him the first Montreal
Canadiens to win the award since Chris Chelios in 1989.
Season Stats: GP 42, G 11, A 27, PTS 38, +/- +12, PIM 57, PPG 7, SHG 0, GWG
0, SOG 126, ATOI 23:14
3 Year Averages
(Because of the lockout-shortened season, we are pro-rating all of 2012-13’s
numbers over a typical 82-game year.)
GP: 77
Goals: 13
Assists: 33
Points: 46
+/-: +22
PIMS: 113
PPG: 9
GWG: 1
Shots: 206
2013-2014 Role
It can be safely assumed that Subban will be slotted in on Montreal’s top
pairing, and
will likely see the most ice time of all of the Canadiens. He should be paired
alongside Andrei Markov on the first powerplay unit, but with Alexei Emelin’s
rehabilitation, it is still unknown if P.K. will line up with Josh Gorges at
even-strength. If so, Subban will again be counted upon to shut down the
opposition’s top forwards, and log major minutes. P.K. was used sparingly on the Canadiens’
disastrous penalty kill last season; given its prior success with him on the
shorthanded unit in previous seasons, one must wonder if Montreal’s top defender
will once again be used in this capacity.
Projected Stats
With favourable powerplay time and above average minutes, P.K. will have
ample opportunity to contribute significantly on the scoresheet. A
multi-category beast, P.K. habitually puts up goals, assists, powerplay points,
shots on net, penalty minutes and has earned a +21 rating over the past two seasons. If your
league counts all of these categories, Subban could be considered a first round
pick in all but the shallowest of leagues. In points-only leagues, Subban
should still be one of the first defencemen taken, but only after elite forwards
have been drafted.
GP: 80
Goals: 18
Assists: 49
Points: 67
+/-: +15
PIM: 110
PPG: 13
GWG: 3
Shots: 233