P.K. Subban, Zdeno Chara call it quits on a day of retirements in the NHL
Saban, 33, was selected by the Montreal Canadiens with the 43rd pick of the 2007 draft. The Toronto native made his NHL debut in 2010 and eventually established himself as one of the league’s top defensemen by winning the Norris Trophy in 2013.
In 2014, Saban agreed to an eight-year, $72 million contract extension that made him one of the league’s highest-paid players and its highest-paid defenseman at the time. He was traded to the Nashville Predators in 2016 in a one-for-one exchange of an elite defenseman for Shea Weber, and was reacquired in 2019 with the New Jersey Devils. He eventually played in 834 games, scoring 115 goals and 352 assists. . He also won a gold medal as a member of Team Canada at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
Saban served as an NHL analyst for ESPN during the waning days of his playing career, contributing to the network’s postseason coverage in each of the past two seasons. In May, he was noncommittal about his future in broadcasting.
“I’m not saying I have the talent to do TV, but it’s definitely been some fun because I’m passionate about sports,” They said. “I’m excited to be involved in sports, and this is a way for me to do that when I’m not playing. … As far as whether I do it as a career or a job, I’ll make that decision when I’m done. The playing days will be over.
Chara, 45, registered 209 goals and 680 points in 24 seasons with the New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals. 2009 Norris Trophy winner, Chara said in his announcement That he signed a one-day contract with the Bruins so he could retire with the team he captained to a Stanley Cup championship in 2011.
The tallest player in league history, the 6-foot-9 Chara joined the Capitals in 2020 at 43, recording 10 points in 55 games. He played his final season with the Islanders, who drafted him in 1996 before making his NHL debut the following year.
Yandle, 36, made his announcement on the “Spitin’ Chiclets” podcast, saying, “For the last year it’s been one of the things I’ve been thinking about. … When that’s all you know in your life, just To call it quits, it’s nerve-racking.
During a career that included stints with the Arizona Coyotes, New York Rangers, Florida Panthers and Philadelphia Flyers, Yandle established himself as one of the most durable and offensively skilled defensemen in the league. A three-time All-Star selection, Yandle scored 103 goals and 619 points in 1,109 games. He set the NHL record for most consecutive games played (989) before being benched by the rebuilding Flyers late last season.
“Especially this time of year, you’re usually ready for training camp. For me, the last two weeks I’ve been comfortable with it,” Yandle said of his retirement. “I think I’m really comfortable with it and definitely looking forward to the next chapter.”