P.K. Subban's trade to the New Jersey Devils ushers in a sense of relief and excitement, depending on whom you might ask. Considering the weight of Subban’s cap hit, he had become something of a trade chip in the eyes of the Predators’ faithful. That’s not to say that his contributions have gone unnoticed. Rather, it’s an indication of just how difficult it has become to optimize an NHL roster below the salary cap.
For the New Jersey Devils, there’s hope Subban’s addition will translate into victories, or at the very least, build some needed excitement around a franchise in need of just that. Subban certainly comes with a certain “box office” appeal that is uncommon amongst hockey players.
Few teams quite as heavily on their general manager’s expertise as the Nashville Predators do with their underboss David Poile, a vetted “hockeyman” with no inhibitions about shaking up the roster on a moment’s notice, as he’s proven countless times. In exchange for Subban, the 2013 Norris Trophy winner, Devils’ GM Ray Shero has agreed to part ways with defensemen Steve Santini, Jeremy Davies and two 2nd round picks.
There appears to be a hope this trade will signal a momentous change within the Devils’ organization, and perhaps entice Taylor Hall to stay beyond the 19-20 season -- in the final year of his current deal. There is little to suggest that a middle ground exists between player and club based upon Hall’s reticence and his outspoken desire to challenge for the Stanley Cup. Then again, a lot could change in a matter of months, given the influx of P.K. Subban and yesterday’s no.1 pick Jack Hughes.