Dismissed analytics expert confirms disagreement over Subban trade
The Montreal Canadiens didn't agree with their former analytics consultant when it came to evaluating P.K. Subban and Shea Weber before the blockbuster trade was consummated with the Nashville Predators.
Matt Pfeffer - whose contract wasn't renewed by the Canadiens this week - confirmed the difference in opinion Thursday, but said he didn't meet with the team face to face.
"Prior to the trade, I submitted a report comparing both players," he told Sportsnet's Eric Engels. "I made a passionate case in favor of P.K. Subban. There was never a meeting with management."
Engels originally reported Wednesday night that Pfeffer had presented his case to Canadiens management.
“Ultimately, this is the nature of this kind of work," Pfeffer said Thursday. "Management makes their decision based on a variety of criteria. Their evaluation may have been different in this case, but there was consensus on other decisions through my time with the team.”
Despite the differing opinions on Subban and Weber, Pfeffer concluded his statement offering praise for the club.
"The Canadiens treated me with the utmost respect," he said. "They are a world-class organization. I understand that they desired to go in a different direction. I was thankful to be a part of their team."
Montreal responded to Engels' earlier reports insisting they will bolster their analytics staff and are considering their options.
Pfeffer was hired by the Canadiens in the summer of 2015. He previously consulted for the San Jose Sharks, Hockey Canada, and the OHL's Ottawa 67's.