P.K. Subban brings his charm to Nashville
Former Montreal Canadiens star makes debut in his new team's city after blockbuster trade
One of the biggest sports personalities to ever hit Montreal is already making waves in his new team's town.
P.K. Subban descended upon Nasvhille this week in vibrant, loud and personable fashion.
- P.K. Subban trade hits Montreal's black community hard
- ANALYSISÂ |Â Why P.K. Subban became one of Montreal's most beloved adopted sons
Thank you P.K. <a href="https://twitter.com/PKSubban1">@PKSubban1</a> and welcome to Smashville! <a href="https://t.co/npGSpH1Z1J">https://t.co/npGSpH1Z1J</a>
—@MNPDNashville
The ever-accessible former star of the Montreal Canadiens has wasted no time getting to know his new city, team and fans.
"Coming here is not a popularity contest. Coming here is about helping this team to win and win a championship," Subban said during a press conference Tuesday.
From appearances at karaoke to visits to the local police force, Subban has already made an impression and been greeted with Southern hospitality.
It appears that Subban's legacy reaches far beyond the Bell Centre. The Predators' newest player was acquired during a trade that stunned Montreal in late June, in return for Predators' captain Shea Weber.
Weber has yet to be introduced by the Habs.
Howdy and welcome to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Smashville?src=hash">#Smashville</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/PKSubban1">@PKSubban1</a>! <br><br>📖🎥 >> <a href="https://t.co/oM7l4dnTDK">https://t.co/oM7l4dnTDK</a><a href="https://t.co/dIcCeVJ1nT">https://t.co/dIcCeVJ1nT</a>
—@PredsNHL
It left the city devastated, with one fan even going so far as to burn his Habs jersey bearing Subban's name and number 76.
A tough departure
The all-star defenceman said leaving Montreal was emotional, but that it was time to move on. He will be back briefly to host a Just for Laughs gala on Aug. 1.
"There is no question that I am head over heels excited to play here in Nashville," Subban said.
"I'm excited about our team, I am excited about this city, and I'm most importantly excited about the opportunity to win a Stanley Cup."
Subban will only hit the Bridgestone Arena ice in October when the 2016-2017 kicks off, but he's already taken to wearing his new jersey and showing off his new blue and yellow stripes.