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New Jersey Devils: P.K. Subban Is The Best In A While

By Vincent Parise

NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 06: Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban (76) is shown during the NHL game between the Nashville Predators and Chicago Blackhawks, held on April 6, 2019, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 06: Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban (76) is shown during the NHL game between the Nashville Predators and Chicago Blackhawks, held on April 6, 2019, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The New Jersey Devils haven’t had a defenseman as good as #76 in a long time and everyone should be thrilled to have this guy join the team.

The NHL Network released its list of their top-20 defenseman in the National Hockey League. The New Jersey Devils have a representative on the list as P.K. Subban came in at number 13. This is exciting for Devils fans because the team hasn’t had a defenseman like this in many years. A guy who is a true number one has been a lack on the Devils blue line for a long time, including years in which they were an Eastern Conference powerhouse.

The Devils acquired Subban on day two of the 2019 NHL Draft minutes before the second round began. It was a massive trade for the Devils because it changes the makeup of the entire defense core. He is a guy who uses elite skating and vision to make plays for his teammates and defend.

Subban is also a power-play specialist who can pass and has an absolute bomb of a shot. The team now has a few different guys on the back end who can run a power play, and Subban pushes them all down a spot which should help tremendously.

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Nashville traded him away to create cap space for their other guys and to make some moves in free agency. He had a down year by his standards but a lot of people believe that injuries had a lot to do with it. He had nine goals and 22 assists for 31 points. His possession numbers were solid in even though he had fewer points than usual.

He also played on the deepest blue line in the NHL with Roman Jose, Matias Ekholm, and Ryan Ellis. He averaged 22:40 seconds of ice time which is well below his career average of 24:18.

Now in New Jersey, his ice time will go back up because there isn’t anyone else there that is as good as him. He will play in all situations for the Devils and help improve the team as a whole.

He will be sure to help out the skilled forwards on this team as well. Taylor Hall, Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes, and Kyle Palmieri are all going to be there and Subban being able to skate and make breakout passes is really going to be able to help them.

Just by virtue of him being there should help them all elevate their games which would lead to the Devils being a much better team. This is a big year for Subban and the Devils, so hopefully, they live up to all the hype.

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