Subban admits he has failed as a leader...

While P.K. Subban still believes he is one of the top defenseman in the National Hockey League, he finally admitted on Thursday that he failed in some areas of the game, per NHL.com. 

As he looked back at his role last season with the New Jersey Devils, he admitted to being a poor leader and teammate in the dressing room. 

“I think that in some ways maybe I failed in terms of making my teammates better at times,” Subban said on Thursday. “I’ve been very fortunate in my career to have great individual years, whether it’s awards or being up for trophies.

“I played on some really good teams that have won awards and have been to a Stanley Cup Final (with the Nashville Predators in 2017). I also understand that not every year is going to be the same and not every situation is going to be the same, but your responsibility is to be a good teammate, push your teammates, make them better.”

It’s been tough for Subban, who’s dealt with trade chatter and buyout rumours in the last seasons. He is hoping to getting back on track, he who won the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman in 2013. This past season in Jersey, he had a career worst in assists (11), points (18) and power-play points (six) in 68 games with the Devils, his first campaign with the club after being acquired in a trade with the Predators on June 22, 2019. 

The Devils made interesting changes to their roster and coaching staff, hiring new head coach Lindy Ruff this past July. He too believes Subban can play a vital role in the team’s improvement.

Subban surely got the message and is now focused on being a better leader, teammate and player. 

“I’d like to play in Stanley Cup playoffs again and, you know, bring this team together and to a place where we can compete for a Stanley Cup again,” Subban said. “I also understand that it’s a young team, so that’s a process. I still feel I can get better, so I want to continue to work with our coaching staff and my teammates. A big thing, too, is just jelling as a team, getting used to playing with new teammates.”

We are surely hoping to report more on Subban’s success on the ice than whatever else he has found himself in the news feed lately. On top of an embarrassing season, the blue liner was recently in the headlines for breaking off his engagement with Olympic Champion skier Lindsey Vonn.