The Untold Reasons: Why P.K. Subban Retired From The NHL—The \$72 Million Contract Fallout

P.K. Subban's retirement in September 2022 sent a ripple of surprise across the National Hockey League (NHL) landscape. While the charismatic defenseman had been a polarizing figure throughout his 13-season career, his decision to hang up his skates at the age of 33, while seemingly still capable of playing, left many fans and analysts wondering about the true catalyst. The official announcement, delivered via a heartfelt social media post, spoke of dreams fulfilled and gratitude, but the underlying professional reality was far more stark and is a classic case study of how the NHL's salary cap era can abruptly end the career of a former superstar.

As of late 2025, the narrative has solidified: Subban's retirement was not driven by a sudden loss of passion or a desire to step away on his own terms, but rather a cold, hard consequence of the modern business of hockey. He was an unrestricted free agent (UFA) who simply could not find a suitable—or any—offer from an NHL team willing to meet his expectations or even provide a guaranteed role. The fallout from his massive, expiring \$72 million contract played a critical, if indirect, role in this unexpected conclusion.

Pernell-Karl Subban: Full Biography and Career Milestones

Pernell-Karl Sylvester Subban, universally known as P.K. Subban, built a career defined by electrifying play, a flamboyant personality, and significant philanthropic work. His journey from a second-round draft pick to an NHL superstar is marked by numerous accolades and a rare trade that shocked the hockey world.

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• Full Name: Pernell-Karl Sylvester Subban
• Born: May 13, 1989
• Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Nationality: Canadian
• Position: Defenseman (D)
• Drafted: 2007, Round 2, 43rd overall by the Montreal Canadiens
• NHL Teams (2009–2022):
  • Montreal Canadiens (2009–2016)
  • Nashville Predators (2016–2019)
  • New Jersey Devils (2019–2022)
• Career Statistics (Regular Season): 834 Games Played, 115 Goals, 352 Assists, 467 Points
• Major NHL Awards & Honors:
  • Norris Trophy (NHL's Best Defenseman): 2013
  • NHL First All-Star Team: 2013, 2015
  • NHL All-Star Game: 3-time participant (2016, 2017, 2018)
• International Achievements:
  • Olympic Gold Medal: 2014 Winter Olympics (Team Canada)
  • World Junior Hockey Championship Gold Medal: 2008

The Contract Cliff: From \$9 Million AAV to Unrestricted Free Agent

The single biggest factor indirectly forcing P.K. Subban’s hand was the expiration of his colossal contract. In 2014, while with the Montreal Canadiens, Subban signed an eight-year, \$72 million deal, carrying a significant average annual value (AAV) of \$9 million. This contract was the financial anchor of his career, but also arguably the weight that sank his chances of continuing play in 2022. [cite: 8 in previous step 1, 13 in previous step 1]

When the 2021-2022 season concluded with the New Jersey Devils, Subban became an unrestricted free agent. He had just completed his final season with 22 points in 77 games, a far cry from his Norris Trophy-winning production. While his defensive metrics and overall performance had declined, he still felt he had value as a veteran defenseman and a power-play specialist. [cite: 10 in previous step 1]

The problem, however, was twofold:

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1. The AAV Perception: Teams viewed Subban through the lens of his \$9 million contract. Even though he was seeking a new, much smaller contract, the perception was that a player of his stature and history might not easily accept a drastically diminished role or a league-minimum salary. [cite: 12 in previous step 1, 13 in previous step 1]
2. The Diminished Role: His skills were no longer commensurate with a top-four defenseman role on a contending team. Teams were looking for low-cost, reliable depth, and Subban's high-risk, high-reward style of play, combined with his previous high salary, made him a riskier proposition than other free agents.

Subban himself later admitted he was "surprised" by the complete lack of interest from NHL clubs, stating he had fully intended to keep playing. The silence from the market was the clear signal that his time in the league was over, despite his intentions. [cite: 3 in previous step 1, 10 in previous step 1]

The Real Reason: Zero Offers and the Choice to Retire Gracefully

The most candid explanation for Subban’s retirement is that no NHL team was willing to sign him for the 2022-2023 season. This situation is a common, though often unstated, reason for the retirement of veteran players who become unrestricted free agents after a long career.

Subban, a player known for his confidence and star power, faced a choice: wait out the entire free agency period hoping for a desperate team to call, potentially accept a tryout offer (PTO), or retire gracefully and immediately pivot to a lucrative post-playing career. He chose the latter, announcing his retirement on September 20, 2022, before the start of training camps. [cite: 5 in previous step 1, 10 in previous step 1]

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His decision was a pragmatic realization that his market value had evaporated. For a player who had been the centerpiece of the Montreal Canadiens and Nashville Predators—and the subject of the blockbuster trade with Shea Weber—accepting a minor role for minimal pay was likely not an appealing option. Retiring on his own terms, rather than fading away on the waiver wire or in the minor leagues, allowed him to control his legacy.

The Post-Retirement Pivot: A Seamless Transition to Broadcast

Unlike many athletes who struggle to find their next chapter, Subban’s transition was immediate and seamless, further suggesting his retirement was a strategic move driven by the lack of playing opportunities. His natural charisma, outspoken nature, and deep hockey knowledge made him a perfect fit for media.

Within weeks of his announcement, P.K. Subban secured a high-profile role as a hockey analyst for ESPN, joining their broadcast team to cover NHL games. [cite: 2 in previous step 1, 8 in previous step 1] This new career path allows him to remain a prominent figure in the sport, offering his unique perspective to a national audience. He also continues his extensive charitable work and serves as an ambassador for various hockey programs, such as Kraft Hockeyville. [cite: 2 in previous step 1]

Ultimately, P.K. Subban’s retirement, while surprising in its timing, was a business decision forced by the realities of the salary cap and the natural decline of a player's skills. He chose to end his playing career on a high note of his own choosing, rather than waiting for the NHL to tell him he was no longer wanted.