Newly signed Subban puts “extremely tough” chapter behind him

297. That’s the number of days P.K. Subban went between his last game of the 2011-12 campaign and finally re-signing with the Montreal Canadiens.

Between the lockout and his personal fight for a contract as a restricted free agent, it’s been a long process that ended on Monday with a two-year, $5.75 million agreement.

“I’d say ‘difficult’ is an understatement. It was extremely tough to watch as a player,” Subban said in a Canadiens’ report. “The toughest was watching the home opener and watching all the great players who have come through the Montreal organization and helped build this franchise.

“They’ve put in place that mentality that the Montreal Canadiens are a family and a team. That’s the most important thing about the Montreal Canadiens.”

Now he can finally put this all behind him and the healing process can begin. Winning back his teammates isn’t likely to take much work, but winning back some of the fans might be another story.

“I think about the fans all the time; I see them in my dreams,” Subban said. “I admire the fans and the support and the relationship we have. Obviously right now my focus needs to be on the team and that’s all I can control.

“With this process, I understand everybody will have their opinion, but I’m just looking forward to helping my team win. Everyone likes to see the Montreal Canadiens win.”

With that in mind, the big question will be how long it will take before Subban makes his season debut. He missed training camp, but has spent three-and-a-half hours a day training with the OHL Mississauga Steelheads. Even still, it would be surprising if Subban played tonight, especially seeing as the Canadiens are riding a three-game win streak going into their contest against the Winnipeg Jets.

“I’m always ready to play,” Subban said. “I’m ready to go whenever Marc and Michel Therrien give me the green light.”