ESPN hires PK Subban as a NHL analyst

[MMC]

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[JaegerDice]

I think PK Subban would be an awesome analyst.

Especially since he played with and against a fair number of the players still playing. If he's done with hockey and willing to torch some bridges with some real takes, I'm here for it.

 

[Machinehead]

Is PK retiring?

 

[Devilsfan992]

Is this just a temporary gig until the playoffs are over? ESPN hardly shows hockey highlights anyways, let alone analysis. Unless this is for next year, which I don't understand if he's still playing.

 

[hi]

Nice. Bryzgalov next please

 

[PhysicalGraffiti]

ESPN gonna ESPN.

 

[LMFAO]

Is PK retiring?

should he ? Yes
Will he ? Probably no

 

[TheBuriedHab]

Is PK retiring?

Think its just for the playoffs. But once he does retire I think he will be a great choice as a permanent analyst.

 

[WarriorofTime]

Perfect choice

 

[Captain3rdLine]

 

[WaW]

I think PK is probably gonna consider retiring after his contract ends next season, and this is a major power play by ESPN. They can pay well enough to entice him into a major role covering hockey for them instead of him signing a pretty small deal to be a #6 defenseman somewhere.

His following is huge, he's extremely well-spoken, and he's very charismatic and quite funny. Give him a show/podcast where all he has to do is talk hockey and interview players 2/3 times a week and he'll rival Spittin' Chiclets. He might also be the only guy in the world who could legitimately make hockey a talking point on a show like Get Up or First Take. Doesn't even matter if you hate these shows, their audience numbers speak for themselves.

 

[WarriorofTime]

should he ? Yes
Will he ? Probably no

Why would he retire with a year left on his deal? He'd forfeit $8 million if he retired.

 

[TheBluePenguin]

I mean he is pretty good in front of the camera, was once elite and has knowledge...... Seems like pretty decent guy off the ice and charitable ... I see nothing wrong with it.

 

[Pizza!Pizza!]

Likely a trial run for both parties. If it's a good fit he'll likely sign a contract with them after he retires.

 

[BigBadBruins7708]

zero negatives about this.

he's a marketable personality, played at an elite level, is a great person off the ice and is a minority. picture perfect guy to help grow the game, even if just with exposure on ESPN shows

 

[DudeWhereIsMakar]

After retirement, I think he'll succeed in this kind of role.

But he should at least play hockey until he can't anymore and right after that should go be a permanent analyst.

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

This is a perfect career for him when he's done playing

 

[Jerzey Devil]

Good for PK. Maybe this will be his last year playing. Good to get his future sorted out.

 

[Captain3rdLine]

I think PK is probably gonna consider retiring after his contract ends next season, and this is a major power play by ESPN. They can pay well enough to entice him into a major role covering hockey for them instead of him signing a pretty small deal to be a #6 defenseman somewhere.

His following is huge, he's extremely well-spoken, and he's very charismatic and quite funny. Give him a show/podcast where all he has to do is talk hockey and interview players 2/3 times a week and he'll rival Spittin' Chiclets. He might also be the only guy in the world who could legitimately make hockey a talking point on a show like Get Up or First Take. Doesn't even matter if you hate these shows, their audience numbers speak for themselves.

He just had a strong bounce back year. He’s not an elite top pairing guy anymore but still a top 4 defencemen that should get a decent contract so I doubt he’ll retire yet.

Edit: there’s also a good chance he wants to chase a cup. I could definitely see him signing a cheaper deal with a contending team. Especially considering how much he’s made from his current deal.

 

[Blackhawkswincup]

I think the story above PK is bigger deal

Congrats on Weekes going to ESPN

Good hire

 

[Thrasymachus]

Love him or hate him PK has a lot more personality than most former hockey players turned analyst

I actually think he would do quite well in such a capacity

 

[JustaFinnishGuy]

Everyone knew Subban was made for TV after his playing days were over. Let's see what he has in store for us on the broadcasting side of things.

 

[Hockeyholic]

ESPN can't go wrong by hiring a potential HOFer. Especially one with charisma.

 

[rocketdan9]

thats good ...but just part time gig

 

[Svechhammer]

Not unprecedented. Greg Olsen did the same with NFL on FOX and even handled color commentary the last couple years during BYE weeks when his team wasn't playing before joining full time now that he's retired.

And it makes sense for ESPN to be ramping up their NHL content in preparation for next season. Even if it gets eyeballs to NBC right now, it means more viewers next year when they have the games.