The former Montreal Canadiens defenseman, who is now retired, is honored before the game between the Habs and the team he was traded for Shea Weber for, the Nashville Predators on June 29, 2016.

Subban shed tears on his first return to Montreal in a Predators uniform on March 2, 2017.

“It’s not often in my career that I’ve been upset or uncomfortable,” Subban told The Canadian Press. I feel more comfortable playing the Stanley Cup Finals than standing in front of 20,000 people and absorbing all those emotions, even if there’s a good reason for it.

“I don’t know what to expect but I can’t wait,” he added.

Subban admits that not everything was rosy during his seven years with the Canadiens. There were highlights of playoff appearances and his campaign that earned him the Norris Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s Most Valuable Defenseman. But there were tough times too, especially when it came to getting off the ice and being yourself in a fairly conservative world.

The 33-year-old Ontarian previously said the NHL wasn’t ready for PK Subban when he made his debut with the Canadiens in February 2010. On this subject, Subban doesn’t believe the issue is necessarily related to racism, but rather to “placism,” meaning the fact that he didn’t want to fit into the typical hockey player pattern and be put in his place by leaders, coaches, or veterans had to.

However, his authenticity captured the imagination of supporters, even if he was also polarizing.

PC the owner?

Subban now has plenty of time to focus on giving back to the game that made it popular and promoting inclusion and diversity at all levels of hockey. In addition to being an ESPN network analyst, he is also an ambassador for the Kraft Hockeyville program, which helps renovate arenas in communities across Canada. The application period for the 2023 edition of the competition is running and ends on February 19 at 11:59 p.m.

“What I want to create is optimism about our sport and improving the culture of our sport,” Subban said. And just like a tree feeds off the ground through its roots, hockey must also be built in local communities, with a focus on inclusion and accessibility.

“Hockey is so important in Canada that it can be a factor in social change,” he added.

But Subban’s biggest dream is to own an NHL team. He took a first step toward that goal by joining Angel City FC’s adventure in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

“I want to be part of the solution. I want to be able to teach people who have been involved with hockey longer than I have,” Subban explained. I want to continue to advance the rich history of the NHL, but also be a part of the next chapter.

“To get there, sometimes you have to reach a position where your words have a greater impact. And it’s not just about being able to speak at Board of Governors meetings. It’s also through investing in adventure. If you invest, people will understand that you want the sport to thrive and the league to thrive. I hope to have this opportunity one day. »

This doesn’t mean Subban will use his time in Montreal to discuss business with Geoff Molson, “but what a story that would be! “, he agrees. Right now, Subban is just looking forward to seeing people he knew at the most emotional time of his career.