Montreal Canadiens defenceman P.K. Subban isn’t always in the Norris Trophy conversation, but Don Cherry says he should be.
Appearing on Coach’s Corner with Ron MacLean, Cherry was frustrated that Subban’s outstanding play hasn’t garnered enough attention this season.
“He’s having a better year than when he won the Norris (Trophy),” Cherry said. “He played 35 minutes the other night and no one is even talking about him.”
Subban, 25, has registered career-highs in goals (15), assists (45), points (60), average ice time per game (26:10 minutes) and plus-minus (plus-19) entering Saturday’s action.
He won the Norris Trophy for the league’s best defenceman in 2013.
Analytics support Cherry’s view on Subban. Sportsnet analytics contributor Stephen Burtch wrote earlier this week that Subban is the league’s most well-rounded defenceman and should be in consideration for his second Norris Trophy.
Cherry also praised Canadiens goaltender Carey Price, who he dubbed the best goaltender in the world, but added that the team’s Stanley Cup chances hinge on the availability and effectiveness of injured forward Max Pacioretty.
“If they don’t have (Max) Pacioretty they don’t have a chance,” said Cherry. “Those guys are never quite the same when they come back.”
The Canadiens forward sustained an upper body injury on Apr. 5 against the Florida Panthers on a hit from defenceman Dmitry Kulikov. Pacioretty hit head head as he slid awkwardly into the boards.
He skated Saturday morning for 30 minutes at the Canadiens’ training facility, but his status for the Stanley Cup Playoffs remains unclear.
