Subban big draw as Predators open training camp
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - P.K. Subban hasn't even taken the ice yet in his new Predators' sweater, yet the defenseman keeps hearing the same thing over and over.
No, he's not being asked about winning the Stanley Cup even though his acquisition has raised expectations higher in Nashville than they've ever been.
He's being showered with southern hospitality.
''Welcome to Nashville,'' Subban said with a grin. ''I love that everybody here's so nice. It's almost like they're too nice. It's impossible to not feel comfortable in this city. So I've been here for six or seven days, it feels like I've been here for six or seven years. The people are just extremely nice, and I can't wait for my family to get down here and have the same feeling that I have.''
The Predators reported for training camp Thursday with Subban the big attraction as the man Nashville swapped captain Shea Weber to Montreal on June 29 in one of the NHL's biggest trades in recent years. The NHL Network and TSN both were represented along with media from Montreal, doubling the number of reporters usually on hand.
Nashville lost in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs to San Jose in seven games. General manager David Poile said the Predators know they've changed their chemistry with the move.
''We hope it's for the better, but we don't know yet,'' Poile said. ''We have to play.''