REPORT: PK Subban might be heading to Western Conference contender

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Ryan
August 9, 2022 (4:47 PM)

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Long gone are the days of PK Subban winning the Norris Trophy, or even being in contention for it, but the 33-year-old still has a lot left to offer a team.

Last season Subban scored 5 goals and 22 points while averaging 18:18 minutes of ice time per game for the New Jersey Devils. Subban used to produce well on the powerplay for his former teams, he has some good offensive instincts and has a boomer of a shot, but behind players like Dougie Hamilton and Damon Severson, Subban only averaged 35 seconds a game of powerplay time last year which definitely hurts a player known for his offensive abilities.

Subban is another big name in the NHL that many believed would go early in free agency, but here we are a month later and he is still a free agent. Despite his regression, his leadership and experience could help a team that is close to contending get pushed over the hump.

When free agency began he was looking for a multi-year deal on a contending team, but his agent came out recently and stated that the market just isn't there for him at the moment. Subban will most likely end up taking a one-year show me deal with a contending team, and one that appears to be interested in the powerhouse Edmonton Oilers.

As per Kurt Leavins, the Oilers are still connected to Subban, as they've been talking internally about adding a depth, veteran defender. Subban has asked for more money, so it'll be interesting to see if the Oilers can make some room.

The Oilers made it all the way to the Western Conference finals last season before getting swept by the eventual stanley cup champions. They have one huge need going into this offseason which was goaltending and they addressed that with the signing of Jack Campbell.

While the Oilers are fairly loaded on the right side already with Bouchard, Barrie and Ceci, there has been rumours that the Oilers are looking to move on from Barrie, so Subban could be a short-term replacement for this offensive defenceman.