Lately, the NHL has been a family affair, as numerous siblings have been featured on NHL teams. The Sutter’s come to mind as they have at least six members of their family playing for NHL teams. You also can’t forget to include twins, and Art Ross Trophy winners, Daniel and Henrik Sedin.
However, a new challenger is taking claim to the first family of the NHL, as the Subban family are primed to take the league by storm. The Subban’s have already garnered the respect of the hockey faithful. Oldest brother P.K. has already cemented himself as one of the elite NHL defensemen, and is one of the league’s biggest draws.
His popularity became evident when he was a finalist for the cover of EA Sports NHL 15. Despite losing to Boston’s Patrice Bergeron, the Subban supporters came out in full force. Of course, P.K. has the on ice play to back up his popularity. His 2013-14 stats speak for themselves, as his 53 points were among the tops for any NHL blue-liner.
Despite his popularity with fans and his masterful on ice play, P.K. Subban hasn’t made himself many friends amongst some of the NHL’s writers and players. A 2013 Sports Illustrated poll listed P.K. as one of the most hated NHL stars.
Allan Muir stated his reasons for placing P.K. Subban at the top of his list.
“Subban’s flashy personality on and off the ice is a break from hockey tradition, and that clearly rankles some people. Too bad”
Regardless, P.K. is one of the most polarizing players in the NHL. He is a breath of fresh air for a league that lacks charismatic superstars, and has also proven there is a market for an African-American hockey star. However, he isn’t the only Subban primed to take over the league. Brothers Malcom and Jordan also have promising careers ahead of them.
Malcolm Subban made his NHL debut on February 20th. While his results were not positive (He allowed three goals on six shots before being replaced.) the young Canadian goaltender has immense potential. Selected by Boston with the 24th pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Malcolm Subban was ranked as the North American goal-tending prospect.
He signed a three-year contract with Boston just before the 2012-13 lockout.
Upon his deal, Subban returned to his junior league team, Belleville Bulls, and recorded 29 wins in 46 games. He has spent the last two seasons with the Boston Bruins AHL affiliate in Providence, which include numerous NHL call-ups.
With Malcolm on his way to NHL stardom, youngest brother Jordan is slowly carving his own path to success.
Unlike his brothers, Jordan Subban wasn’t a first round pick, as he was selected in the fourth round (115th overall) of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. However, that doesn’t mean he isn’t as coveted as his brothers.
While there is still much growth needed for the 19-year-old Jordan Subban, he has the potential to be a game-changing defenseman at the NHL level. Over the course of 60 games Jordan Subban has recorded 43 points for the Belleville Bulls, making him one of the OHL’s top young defensive prospects.
The Subban family is primed for a hostile takeover of the NHL. P.K. is one of the league’s brightest stars, and Malcolm and Jordan are well on their way to becoming every bit as good as their older brother.
It won’t be long before this trio of sibilings sits at the top of the hockey world.