Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Nazem Kadri’s signing with the Calgary Flames removed the biggest name remaining in this summer’s unrestricted free agent market, or at least, the biggest name still in his prime. A handful of recognizable players past their best-before date, such as PK Subban, remain available.
Now 33, Subban isn’t the Norris Trophy defenseman that he was in his youth and won’t get offers anywhere near the $9-million average annual value of his previous contract. Nevertheless, the charismatic blueliner enjoyed a decent performance last season on the rebuilding New Jersey Devils. He could still be a useful, affordable addition to a club seeking an experienced puck-moving right-shot rearguard.
Mike Stephens suggested the Seattle Kraken, Washington Capitals and Buffalo Sabers as three destinations for Subban. There’s been no media gossip linking him to those clubs but that doesn’t mean they might not give him consideration on a one-year contract.
Subban and former Arizona Coyotes winger Phil Kessel have been mentioned as possible free-agent options for the Edmonton Oilers. The Edmonton Journal‘s Kurt Leavins wondered if their agents might put in a call to a Final-Four team like the Oilers to see if there’s a fit.
Leavins colleague, David Staples, reported oddsmakers had the Oilers as the favored candidate to sign both players. Kessel seems a more appropriate option given their need for scoring depth on the right wing.
San Jose Hockey Now’s Sheng Peng wondered if Subban might be a fit with the San Jose Sharks with Nikolai Knyzhov sidelined with a torn Achilles for six months. While he’s no longer capable of filling a top-four role, his right-handed shot could bring more balance to a Sharks defense corp loaded with left-handers.
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