Subban speaks: 'I never envisioned myself playing for any other team'
P.K. Subban is back in Montreal, but he won't be staying for long. Nashville's home now.
The former Canadiens defenseman spoke for the first time since he was dealt to the Predators for Shea Weber in an exclusive interview with Sportsnet's Eric Engels, and said that he's most sad about the fact he won't fulfill his promise to bring a Stanley Cup - No. 25 - back to Montreal.
"The feeling being back in Montreal, it'll never change," Subban said. "It's always going to be like that for me. Montreal's going to be home because of the relationships that I've built here. I love Montreal. I've always loved the city. When it really comes down to it, I never envisioned myself playing for any other team other than the Montreal Canadiens."
Subban called his relationship with Canadiens fans "unspeakable," and said it's the reason why he'll always feel connected to the city and the province of Quebec.
While the 27-year-old was a lightning rod for criticism, especially last season during the Canadiens' fantastic collapse, he said he was always treated well by the fans and that it was a dream come true to play in the bleu, blanc, et rouge.
"This is a business," Subban added. "I can't forget that."
Subban also recounted a story from his childhood, when he was gifted a Canadiens jersey with his name on the back. He treasured that sweater as a kid, and said that being able to wear a Montreal sweater in the NHL makes him feel luckier than every other player in the NHL. But it's Boxing Day now, Subban added, Christmas is over, and it's time to move on.
"I just wanted to make my dad proud," Subban said. "I knew he was a huge Habs fan."
Subban also discussed his $10-million donation to Montreal's Children Hospital during the interview, and some of the criticism - that he was motivated by political reasons - that came with it.
"I don't feel that I need to define my reasons for wanting to help people," Subban said. "Like, people should want to help people."
Part two of the Sportsnet exclusive will air Wednesday night.