P.K. Subban Traded to Nashville for Shea Weber

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The Montreal Canadiens have traded defenseman P.K. Subban to the Nashville Predators for defenseman Shea Weber, the teams announced on Wednesday. The deal is a one-for-one swap much like the trade earlier today involving Taylor Hall and Adam Larsson.

“We completed today an important transaction which I am convinced will make the Canadiens a better team. It was also one of the most difficult decisions I had to make as general manager of the Montreal Canadiens,” said general manager Marc Bergevin. “In Shea Weber, we get a top rated NHL defenseman with tremendous leadership, and a player who will improve our defensive group as well as our power play for many years to come. Shea Weber led all NHL defensemen last season with 14 power play goals. He is a complete rearguard with impressive size and a powerful shot. P.K. Subban is a special and very talented player. He provided the Canadiens organization with strong performances on the ice and generous commitment in the community. I wish him the best of luck with the Predators.”

Weber’s on a contract paying an AAV of $7.857 million through 2026. Meanwhile, Subban takes a $9 million AAV for the next six seasons. Despite some massive contract considerations here, ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun reports that there is no salary retained by either team. The trade comes just a couple of days before Subban’s no movement clause is set to kick in for the remainder of his contract.

“P.K. Subban is an elite offensive defenseman with tremendous skill and contagious energy that makes the Nashville Predators a better team now and into the future,” Predators general manager David Poile said. “Superstar defensemen of his caliber are a rare commodity, and we are thrilled to add him to the organization.”

The Predators added to their impressive defensive array and gain a likable personality and philanthropist that should quickly become a fan favorite, playing in a top four that will include Roman Josi, Mattias Ekholm and Ryan Ellis.