This would not be an unprecedented move in the NHL. Over the past two seasons, Zach Bogosian and Nikita Gusev had their deals terminated and they were free to sign with a contender for the playoffs. Perhaps Subban may soon do the same.
Assuming he signs for around league minimum, Subban would be a good fit for the Leafs. He's become more of a nasty player, but he's always played with a bit of an edge. If he can keep his game clean, we saw what he can do as an agitator when he got under Sidney Crosby's skin during the Stanley Cup finals as a member of the Nashville Predators. He probably wouldn't help the team's defensive issues much, but if the Leafs fail to get one of their top targets at the deadline, Subban could be a good backup plan.
Subban is a Toronto native, so it would make some sense that he might have an interest in coming home to play in front of family and friends at this stage of his career. And who knows? Perhaps he could end up being a more important piece that originally thought and help the Leafs to exercise their demons in the postseason.
POLL | ||
11 MARS | 535 ANSWERS Subban, NJ looking at terminating his contract, which would make him a UFA Would you like to see Subban with the Leafs on a league-minimum deal? | ||
Of course | 196 | 36.6 % |
Not a chance | 216 | 40.4 % |
I could take him or leave him | 123 | 23 % |
List of polls |