Report: Habs Owner Geoff Molson Overruled GM Marc Bergevin On P.K. Subban Contract

The Montreal Canadiens and star defenseman P.K. Subban went all the way to arbitration this summer in an effort to finalize a new contract for the restricted free agent.

According to Jack Todd of the Montreal Gazette, Habs owner Geoff Molson made sure that his franchise player was signed to a long-term deal before taking the one-year arbitration award.

“A highly-placed source has confirmed our theory that it was indeed Molson who overruled GM Marc Bergevin, when it appeared that the club might be saddled with a single-year arbitration contract and a disgruntled star,” Todd writes.

“It was Molson’s call to sign P.K. long-term, and it was exactly right.”

The two sides agreed to an eight-year, $72 million contract that makes Subban the highest-paid D-man in the NHL based on annual average value ($9 million per season). The Canadiens stood firm two years ago when Subban was a restricted free agent and won the negotiation by signing him to a two-year bridge contract. It appears that Molson wanted no part of a short-term pact this time around.

Subban not only makes a huge impact on the ice — the 2013 Norris Trophy winner tallied 53 points (10 goals, 43 assists) last season — he also helps the club from a business perspective. As one of the most exciting and popular players in the league, Subban helps drive jersey and ticket sales for Montreal.

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