Subban opens up in wide-ranging interview

Make a point to read this feature on P.K. Subban from The Toronto Sun. Truly fantastic quotes on a variety of subjects from the engaging Montreal Canadiens defenceman. He touched on being the new 'Alfie' for Leafs fans to chant against at the ACC, the passion of fans in both Toronto and Montreal, wearing his sister's Doug Gilmour jersey as a kid, the lack of playing time in the Olympics, the Montreal media and fans, his contract situation and more.

Here's just a tease.

On the boos in Toronto: “But here’s my thing. You always have to put it the other way. If I ever ended up playing in Toronto at some point in my career, what would it be like then? Would they still boo me? I don’t know if they would or not.

“I mean, to me, (being booed) is a compliment. For me, as a player who prides himself on trying to have an impact on my hockey team and having an impact in every game that I play, they’re taking that into account. And being a guy from Toronto, and playing for the Montreal Canadiens, it’s a natural reaction for them.”

On his so-called theatrics: “Hey, I don’t view celebrations as hot-dogging or showboating,” he said “I view it as expressing emotions. You look at other sports. All athletes do it.

“I don’t think I’m the only guy in the NHL that does it. I know you have to respect your opponent but when big goals are scored in big moments, it’s hard to control yourself sometimes.”

On any perceived issues in Montreal: “I have zero problems with the media in Montreal, zero problems with the fans in Montreal,” he said. “I can leave my house in Montreal every morning. I know guys who played in Montreal who didn’t like to leave their house, who didn’t like to go out to restaurants there. I do that regularly. I have never had any issues with fans, media, anyone in Montreal. They’ve treated me better than I expected to be treated in the first place.”

He told The Sun this on his contract situation: “I’ll tell you this right now: My goal coming into the NHL was to help the Montreal Canadiens win a Stanley Cup. It still is.

“If I’m not a Montreal Canadien, it won’t be because I don’t want to be there. I have every intention of being there, playing my entire career there.

“If it doesn’t happen, it’s because it’s a business and not because I don’t want to be there.”

Source: Mike Zeisberger, Toronto Sun