Montreal Canadiens rookie defenceman PK Subban has been accused of talking too much for a player who has 26 regular season games under his belt.
Appearing on Off the Record on Wednesday, Subban was asked by host Michael Landsberg "if he kind of had a big mouth." The 21-year-old was honest in his answer.
"Yeah, I would agree with that," said the Toronto-born blueliner. "Sometimes I think that it would probably be better if I kept it shut, but that's why I'm learning. I'm still young."
Subban, who was selected by the Canadiens in the second round of the 2007 draft, has made plenty of noise during his first full campaign on the Montreal blueline this season. But he made a quick name for himself even earlier, during last spring's playoffs when he impressed the coaching staff during 14 games as part of Montreal's run to the Eastern Conference final.
Subban was asked if he still feels like a rookie considering his post-season experience.
"For sure. With the veterans on the team and my teammates, it's my responsibility to make sure that I keep everything in perspective," explained Subban. "And I am a rookie whether I think I am or not. I haven't played a full season in this league yet and I still have a lot to learn. I come to the rink every day and try to get better."
Landsberg also addressed Subban's tendency to irritate the opposition, and asked the 6'0, 206 lb player if it's part of his game to get guys frustrated.
"I think it's in sports in general - it's a part of sports," responded Subban. "I don't think that my game is really me relying on chirping guys and trying to get under their skin. I'm not very good at that. It's not like I have these hefty one-liners on the ice or anything like that.
"I play the game, and if I'm approached, I'm going to respond to it. Obviously if I'm playing against the other team's top players, I have to find ways to get them off their game. That's usually just playing the game, but sometimes talking does happen."
