Canadiens welcome P.K. Subban back to Bell Centre with tribute (Video)

P.K. Subban received a nice tribute from the Montreal Canadiens before his first game at the Bell Centre as a visitor. 

The P.K. Subban trade in June shook the landscape of the NHL. However, no city was more impacted than Montreal. One could argue Nashville, and you might be right. But the Subban trade caused Montreal to lose one of its greatest citizens. He means a lot to the city, even eight months after it. To pay tribute to one of their most beloved players of all-time, the Canadiens honored Subban before their game against the Nashville Predators.

Doing this before the game is a bit questionable, Sure, it allows for fans to give as long of a standing ovation as they so desire. But getting this emotional before the game seems a little odd. Every other team handles similar situations differently than this. Usually, teams honor a player after they leave during their first game as a visitor. It occurs during the game. The tribute usually consists of a highlight video, lots of cheering and acknowledgement, and a friendly gesture to the crowd from the player.

But to be fair, the Canadiens aren’t every other team. They have a history and legacy they’re extremely proud of. To be a fan favorite in Montreal means a lot. Subban fell in love with the Canadiens and the city. In return, the city loved him back. Subban is arguably the most loved Canadiens player since Guy Lafleur. He’s done a lot for the city, including helping out a children’s hospital with a multimillion dollar donation.

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While this isn’t your typical tribute, Subban is hardly your typical player. And the Canadiens certainly aren’t your typical team. Perhaps it’s fitting he gets a pregame ceremony. Both sides have moved on, but the love between Subban and Montreal will always exist.