NHL Trade Rumors: PK Subban Montreal Canadiens Deal May Reach $10M/Year

Free agents have set out to change the face of NHL and most are already with their teams; but some players, including Toronto native PK Subban aren't quite settled yet.

PK Subban is the best at his game of defense, Bleacher Report said. He and the Montreal Canadiens know how special he is, it added, but couldn't agree on the conversion factor in monetary terms.  

Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin offered Subban $5.25 million for one year, while on the other side of the fence, the asking price is $8.5 million, Canada.com reports. In contrast, goaltender Carey Price is the highest-paid player, hauling $6.75 million next season.

After Sports Illustrated gave full marks to Canadiens general manager Bergevin, saying he is a "financial visionary," it implored him to close the deal with Subban, which it predicts will be the "most lucrative deal in franchise history" of $10 million a season--or more. 

Calling the 25-year-old player "crazy" and "unique"--and with a Norris Trophy win in 2013--the report said he has become a class of his own, able to control the game with his exceptional speed, creativity and courage.

He is "the heart of the Canadiens," the report also said, furthermore saying that his attitude also makes him the the Canadien's soul. It also cited his improvement in defensive play. The mix positions him as an irreplaceable player.

"What doesn't Subban do, after all?" the Bleacher Report asked, also noting his all-around ability in defense, assisting and producing the scores himself. It adds to the "heart and soul" thing: He has also become the face of the franchise. 

For Bleacher Report, it will have take mudslinging to prove Subban is worth less money than he appraises himself. And with Subban and Bergevin scheduled to meet for arbitration on Aug. 1, Sports Illustrated thinks the latter will agree to Subban's bid to be with the Canadiens for life--get rich doing it. 

Subban's agent, Don Meehan, told Sportsnet's Fan 590 radio on Wednesday when asked if it was important for them that the player gets the "highest paid" title that they "haven't approached it in that respect," Canada.com said. 

It also took note of the comment on Subban being an excellent player: "But he's a remarkable player, and he has a remarkable presence in Montreal. I think Montreal acknowledges that, and I think we're all trying to do our best to see if we can come up with something that makes sense from both sides' points of view."