Canadian defender P.K. Subban, a powerful offensive defenceman who became one of the most outgoing personalities in the National Hockey League, today announced his retirement from hockey due to recurring injuries at the age of 33.

A second round pick of the Montréal Canadiens in 2007, Subban quickly became a fan favourite for the bleu, blanc et rouge, known for his impressive offensive play, thundering hits and outgoing personality. Subban helped send the Habs to the playoffs for five of his seven seasons in Montréal, before a stunning 2006 trade to Nashville that saw him swapped for fellow defender Shea Weber. Subban would spend three seasons with the Predators, but injuries would slow down his production, only playing one full season while in Nashville. In 2019, Subban would join the New Jersey Devils, but his production was reduced to three incomplete seasons, along with no playoff appearances. With his contract up, and body suffering from a punishing career of injuries, Subban opted to retire at age 33.

A Toronto native, Subban was part of the late-2000’s era Canadian World Junior dynasty that won five straight Gold medals between 2005-09, being part of the 2008 and 2009 championship teams, the latter considered by many to be the best World Junior team that Canada has ever had. Thanks to his many playoff successes, Subban only played two games for the national senior team, with one appearance each at the 2013 World Championship and 2014 Olympics, the latter granting him an Olympic Gold Medal in Sochi.

Over the course of his career, Subban only captured the IHLC three times; twice with the World Junior team (in 2007 and 2008), and once in a pre-World Championship exhibition game in 2012. We wish P.K. and his family the very best for his retirement and the things to come!

Photo Credit: IIHF – HHOF – IOC