Fansided

NHL Trade Rumors: 15 players who may be moved this summer

By Simon Vacca

NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 05: P.K. Subban #76 of the Nashville Predators is defended by Phil Kessel #81 of the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period of Game Four of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Final at the Bridgestone Arena on June 5, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 05: P.K. Subban #76 of the Nashville Predators is defended by Phil Kessel #81 of the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period of Game Four of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Final at the Bridgestone Arena on June 5, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 20: Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban (76) is shown during Game Five of Round One of the Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Nashville Predators and Dallas Stars, held on April 20, 2019, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 20: Nashville Predators defenseman P.K. Subban (76) is shown during Game Five of Round One of the Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Nashville Predators and Dallas Stars, held on April 20, 2019, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. P.K. Subban

Age: 30
Position: D
Current Team: Nashville Predators

The belief in Nashville is that one of GM David Poile’s utmost priorities for the summer ahead is the pending extension of defenseman — and team captain — Roman Josi. There is pressing speculation that, in order to ensure that a deal of this nature is ushered forth smoothly, the Predators would have to move either the aforementioned Turris or one of its prized blue liners already signed to term. Queue the speculation surrounding P.K. Subban.

There is a lot to like about the 30-year-old’s game. Subban won the James Norris Memorial Trophy for top defenseman in the NHL in 2013, was named to the league’s first all-star team in 2013 and 2015, and the sport’s second all-star team in 2018. He has also competed in 96 playoff games, during which he earned 18 goals and 62 points.

Nevertheless, doubts about the defender’s future loom large. The 2018-19 campaign was a down year for No. 76, during which he tallied just 9 goals and 22 assists for a mere 31 points in 63 matchups. The fact that he is expected to bounce back has not stopped some from expressing concern over the weight of Subban’s contract, as he is locked in to make $9 million until 2021-22.

While Subban’s earnings shall likely be a tad steep heading into the next three seasons, the wide-ranging need for right-handed defensemen — especially those who have demonstrated success on an expansive basis — all but ensures that the Canadian will be a central feature of this year’s trade market.

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