P.K. Subban

P.K. Subban (born Pernell Karl Subban on May 13, 1989) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL).

P.K. was drafted by the Canadiens in the second round, 43rd overall, of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. In 2013 he won the James Norris Memorial Trophy, and was the leading scorer amongst all defencemen.

On July 3, 2013, he was named to the NHL First All-Star Team.

Playing career
Subban spent his junior career with the Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). In 2005–06 he recorded 12 points in a 52-game rookie campaign. In 2006–07 he improved to 56 points in 68 games. Subban was drafted by the Canadiens in the off-season. He recorded 46-points in just 58 games during the 2007–08 campaign, before adding 23 points and matching his regular season goals total of 8 in the post-season. He helped Belleville to the J. Ross Robertson Cup Finals against the Kitchener Rangers, where they lost the OHL title in seven games. Following a junior career high 76 points (in 56 games) in 2008–09, Subban was signed to a three-year entry-level contract by the Canadiens.

Subban was assigned to the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League (AHL) to begin the 2009–10 season. He was elected to play in the 2010 AHL All-Star Game in Portland. Shortly thereafter, he earned his first call-up to the Canadiens on February 11, 2010. The following day he registered his first NHL point, an assist, in his debut against the Philadelphia Flyers on February 12.

On April 26, 2010, Subban was recalled from Hamilton during the Canadiens' first round playoff series against the Washington Capitals. He recorded his first NHL playoff point, an assist, in his first NHL playoff game, on April 26, 2010. His first goal came in game 1 of the Canadiens' second round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 30, 2010. In game 3 against the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2010 Eastern Conference Finals, P.K. became the third rookie defenceman in Canadiens' history to register three assists in one game. In all, Subban recorded 1 goal and 8 points in 14 playoff games for the Canadiens.

After the Canadiens were eliminated by the Flyers, Subban was returned to the Bulldogs, who were still alive in the Calder Cup Playoffs. Subban was awarded the AHL President's Award in recognition of his accomplishments in the 2009–10 season.

On March 20, 2011, he became the first Canadiens rookie defenceman to score a hat trick in a game. This feat came in an 8–1 victory against the Minnesota Wild.

Playing in 81 games in the 2011-12 NHL season, Subban recorded seven goals to go with 29 assists A restricted free agent after the 2011–12 season, Subban sat out the first four games of 2013 while the two sides negotiated a contract. On January 28, 2013, Subban signed a 2-year deal with Montreal worth $5.75 million. At the end of the 2012–2013 season Subban won the James Norris Memorial Trophy.

International play
Subban made an international debut for Team Canada at the 2008 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in the Czech Republic. He saw limited ice time as Canada's 7th defenceman, but was able to help the team capture their fourth consecutive gold medal at the tournament, defeating Sweden in overtime in the final. Subban represented Canada again at the 2009 World Juniors in Ottawa and took on a more important role with the team. He scored 3 goals and 9 points and a differential of plus 12 in the tournament, helping Canada to its fifth consecutive gold medal as they once again defeated Sweden in the final. Subban was named to the Tournament All-Star Team along with tournament MVP and close friend John Tavares.

Personal Life
P.K.'s parents both immigrated to Ontario from the Caribbean in the 1970's. His father Karl moved from Jamaica to Sudbury, and his mother, Maria, came from Montserrat to Hamilton. Karl is a retired school principal. P.K. has four siblings: Nastassia, Natasha, Jordan and Malcolm. P.K.'s brothers Jordan and Malcolm both play for his former junior team, the Belleville Bulls. Growing up, Subban was good friends with 1st overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft John Tavares. Malcolm is a goaltender who was selected by the Boston Bruins in the first round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Jordan was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the fourth round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.