P.K. Subban is coming to the New Jersey Devils with high expectations, but he’s not stoking the flames of a rivalry just yet.
P.K. Subban has yet to play one shift for the New Jersey Devils, but the world already wants to know: Is he looking forward to the rivalry with the Rangers?
Subban was hesitant to make any bold statements about his new crosstown rival. But he did discuss his experience in other rivalries he’s been a part of.
The @NYRangers and @NJDevils rivalry is alive and well, but is @PKSubban1 looking forward to the showdown? pic.twitter.com/DZLPsZvY8o
— MSG Networks (@MSGNetworks) July 26, 2019
“I look forward to, first of all, getting to training camp,” Subban told reporters. “I don’t think I’ve been this excited for a training camp since my first one so I’m excited to come in.
“There’s always rivalries. I’ve been lucky to play in some really cool ones in Montreal and Boston and obviously Nashville-Chicago…But I’ll take that on when it comes. I’m sure you guys will ask me that question the night before the game or the day of.”
The three-time All-Star and former Norris winner is looking to bring the Devils back to the top of the NHL.
After making a surprise run to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2018, the Devils took a major step back in 2019. But with the addition of a proven defenseman like Subban and landing first overall pick Jack Hughes, the Devils could be looking at a bounce-back season.
They’ll have their hands full when they come to New York. The Rangers had the No. 2 overall pick, Kaapo Kakko, and signed Artemi Panarin to a massive contract.
Meanwhile, the Islanders had a much quieter offseason, but they should still be competitive in the Metro. The rivalry between the Isles and the Devils isn’t quite the same as the one either team has with the Rangers.
That being said, New Yorkers should have some compelling hockey to watch next season.
