By the Numbers: #76—From Montreal Magic to Music City and Jersey Nights
In the storied history of the NHL, certain numbers belong to the legends who defined them. While numbers “99” and “66” are immortalized in the rafters, the number “76” has been firmly claimed by one of the most electric personalities to ever lace up skates: P.K. Subban. He didn’t just play the game; he performed it. Over 834 career games, the number "76" became a symbol of a high-energy and hard-hitting style of play, alongside a blistering shot.
Dominance in Montreal
In seven seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, Subban—drafted #43 overall in 2007—became a premier offensive defenseman. The peak of this era came in 2013 when he won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the league's top defenseman. During that lockout-shortened season, he notched 38 points in just 42 games. By the time he left Montreal, he had racked up 278 points and established himself as a primary playoff contributor.
Cool Fact: In September 2014, P.K. Subban was named an Alternate Captain of the Montreal Canadiens.
Music City Roots and Jersey Nights
A 2016 blockbuster trade shifted his career to the Nashville Predators, where the "76" brand reached new heights. In Music City, Subban was a foundational piece of the 2017 squad that marched to the Stanley Cup Final, bringing a new level of swagger to the franchise. He provided the Predators with 130 points over 211 games before moving to the New Jersey Devils. Winning the King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 2022 was the ideal capstone, proving that his impact in the number “76” was as much about his character and efforts off the ice as his ability to find the back of the net.
Retirement Announcement: In September 2022, the 33-year old defenseman, P.K. Subban, announced his retirement after 13 NHL seasons.
Subban: Defining the #76 Legacy
By the time P.K. Subban retired in September 2022, he posted 467 career points over 834 games. He was the rare player who could be a fierce and impactful competitor on the ice, a global brand in the media, and a dedicated and intentional community leader, simultaneously.
Cool Fact: P.K. Subban was ranked in the “Top 50” of Best Dressed Athletes (Sports Illustrated), and he made the alternate cover page (July 2018).
Before his arrival into NHL stardom, number “76” was a rare sight on NHL ice; today, it is synonymous with NHL All-Star defenseman: P.K. Subban (who is still finding ways to contribute meaningfully to the game of hockey; bringing a fresh perspective as a Hockey Analyst).