Getty Images Budding defensive star P.K. Subban was quick to react to the lockout, but now he must bite his nails about another intense negotiation process: his own.
The restricted free agent needs a new contract before taking part in a hasty training camp in advance of an abbreviated season. He admitted to the Montreal Gazette’s Dave Stubbs that the Montreal Canadiens likely hold the leverage.
“The ball’s not in my court, it never has been,” Subban said. “(The ball’s) in the court of the franchise that’s been standing for 100-plus years. They must figure out whether they see me as a player who’s part of their future or not. I hope they do.”
That sounds like some tough talk, yet the 23-year-old blueliner also said all the right things about the team and the city.
“I love Montreal and I want to continue to grow my career there and become the player they need me to be to eventually hoist the Stanley Cup, which I hope happens sooner than later,” Subban said.
Participating in training camp probably wouldn’t hurt matters.
Subban isn’t alone, though. Here are some prominent players who need new deals, beginning with restricted free agents like Subban:
Notable RFAs without contracts (more here):
Jamie Benn
Ryan O’Reilly
Michael Del Zotto
Dmitry Kulikov
Cody Franson
Nick Palmieri
(Note: O’Reilly signed a two-year deal in the KHL during the lockout, but his potential overseas team said they wouldn’t stand in the way of an NHL contract.)
Notable unrestricted free agents (more here):
Tomas Holmstrom
Mike Knuble
Jason Arnott
Marco Sturm
Mike Commodore
Colin White
Jason Blake
Brian Rolston
Andrew Brunette
Daymond Langkow
Eric Fehr
(Some of these players might retire; Holmstrom seemed undecided when last asked.)
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His Twitter feed teases “a big day” on Tuesday.
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Hawks’ Smith goes from lunch with mom to playing for Hossa
Jun 18, 2013, 12:02 AM EDT
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Just a “wild night” for a Black Ace.
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AP
Odd timing, but big news.
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Led by Patrice Bergeron, who scored a goal and was practically unbeatable in the faceoff circle.
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Dennis Seidenberg: “It feels like sandpaper.”
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“It’s a low-chance game and a low-chance series,” he said.
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Joel Quenneville said it was “definitely not good.”
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He was a game-time decision for Game 3.
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A masterful performance by Boston.
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Nathan MacKinnon says Sidney Crosby opened doors for small-town players
Jun 17, 2013, 10:15 PM EDT
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Both are much-hyped forwards from Cole Harbour, Novia Scotia.
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Video: Jagr sets up Bergeron, moves ahead of Coffey on all-time playoff scoring list
Jun 17, 2013, 10:10 PM EDT
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He owns fifth place with 197 points.
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Big results for his line with Tyler Seguin and Chris Kelly.
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Does that mean it could fall through?
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Big (and surprising) loss for the Chicago Blackhawks.
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Chris Mason’s amazing beard couldn’t mask lousy numbers.
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Multiple sources expect buyouts for Ilya Bryzgalov and Daniel Briere.
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23-year-old was the club’s second-round pick in 2008.
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Reports: Vigneault gets five-year, $10 million contract to coach Rangers
Jun 17, 2013, 5:04 PM EDT
AP
Former Canucks bench boss cashes in.
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Just five days after acquiring him from the Islanders.
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Interesting, given he’s probably going to get traded this summer.
