Former NHLer P.K. Subban Joining ESPN as Hockey Analyst
Move over Stephen A. Smith, there’s a new star at ESPN, and his name is P.K. Subban.
After retiring in September, the former NHL defenceman signed a three-year deal with the Disney-owned company on Thursday. Subban will primarily work as an in-studio analyst, but he’ll also cover select games during the 2022-23 season.
The 33-year-old announced his signing via social media, saying it was “about that time” he returned to hockey as he’ll look to add his insightful hockey wisdom and unique personality to the broadcast world.
Subban briefly worked for ESPN during the 2022 playoffs, making appearances on “First Take” and other hockey-related programs. It teased the beginning of his post-playing career, which now becomes his full-time job just a few months later.
As part of the announcement, the All-Star blueliner issued a statement, saying that keeping this news a secret for multiple weeks wasn’t easy. But with that no longer necessary, he’s excited to pick up where he left off at the end of last season.
“I’ve known for a few weeks now. It’s been tough to have known that I was going to do that and just kind of keep it close to the chest. But I’m excited now that we’re now here,” Subban said. “I had done some work last post-season and it was great. I enjoyed working with the producers and everybody.”
You could say that Subban’s personality traits make him perfect for television. They helped him become a fan-favourite icon across the NHL shortly after debuting in 2010, and will likely do the same on the broadcast side.
Hockey fans have witnessed their fair share of uninteresting hockey analysts over the years, demanding increased personality – both on and off the ice. Thankfully, they’ll receive exactly that with Subban returning to their screens.
“I’m excited to bring that passion and that energy that I brought on the ice to something else that I’m passionate about. I hope that they’re just as excited as I am to get started,” Subban said. “The people that follow and know me know that I keep honest. I’m going to be myself, and hopefully that’s what they want to see. I think that’s what people are excited about.”
Hockey is constantly evolving, but so too, is the way fans are consuming it these days. The need for top-notch content has never been more crucial, increasing the industry-wide desire to highlight former players like Subban, who brings natural and raw insight to the conversation.
Mark Gross, ESPN’s senior vice president for production and remote events, believes Subban will be a breath of fresh air to the network’s regular hockey coverage through his storytelling and always-entertaining antics.
“P.K. brings a fresh perspective to his analysis, having recently retired from the game, but he also draws on much more than just his experience on the ice, which gives him a unique, fun perspective that fans will love,” Gross said.
Subban played 13 NHL seasons between three franchises (Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, New Jersey Devils) from 2009-21, logging 834 career games. He scored 115 goals and 467 points, registering at least 10 goals and 30 points in six of his 13 campaigns.
The Toronto, Ont., native played in three All-Star Games (2016, 2017, 2018), winning the Norris Trophy in 2013 and the King Clancy Trophy during his final NHL season.
-Thomas Hall
Twitter: @ThomasHall85
Photo: Christophe95. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.