P.K. Subban joins ESPN as broadcast analyst

P. K. Subban is the only Black commentator on ESPN’s NHL Stanley Cup Finals coverage. After a 13-year career with four NHL clubs, Subban announced his retirement in September 2023 and joined ESPN as a broadcast analyst.

“Retiring and stepping into this job,” said Subban during a June 6 media call with reporters, including the MSR, “I think being able to give a perspective as someone who just played only a few years ago and still knows the players… when I play, a lot of the star players in the game now were just coming into the league.”

Historically, Every NHL club has had at least one Black player. Subban, during his pro career—2011 NHL All-Rookie team, three-time All-Star, and 2013 Norris Memorial Trophy winner was seen as perhaps the best African Canadian to ever play the game.

There are nearly 30 Black NHL players currently, and the two Stanley Cup finalists feature at least one Black player: St Paul’s Kyle Okposo (Florida), a former Gopher player, and Edmonton teammates Evander Kane and Darnell Nurse.

Now, in broadcasting, “The first thing that comes to mind is a tremendous responsibility,” Subban said. “ESPN is a massive platform. But the NHL is a game that’s given back to me and my family so much.  To be in a position to be on ABC and ESPN on the biggest [stage], at the biggest desk in hockey or sports and be able to give my input is a huge responsibility.

“I think none bigger than the Stanley Cup Final with the whole world watching,” Subban said. “I love it. It’s really stimulating.”

Asked about his impact as a Black player in the NHL and now as a hockey analyst on television, Subban said, “When it comes to growing the game, it’s about making it educational and as easy for people to understand the game as possible. I think I’m also in a position to learn, learn about this job and this craft, but I also respect the job.

“Coming out of the game so recently makes it a lot easier to be able to express how I feel about the game, knowing the players.”