P.K. Subban returns to Montreal for Just for Laughs gala
Those hoping for P.K. Subban to dish dirt on his former team will likely be disappointed with tonight's comedy show.
"If people are expecting me to come out and bash players or coaches or teammates, that's not going to happen," the former star Habs defenceman told a news conference on Monday, in his first public appearance in Montreal since being traded to the Nashville Predators.
"I mean, this is a fun way to celebrate giving back, and that's what it is, so I'm sure there will be some jokes in there that people are going to get a kick out of, but it's all in respect and fun."
All proceeds from Monday night's Just for Laughs gala, which was scheduled prior to the trade, will go to the Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation.
Last year, Subban and his foundation pledged to raise at least $10 million for the hospital, billed as the largest philanthropic commitment ever made by a professional athlete in Canada.
100% sold out
Despite being shipped to Nashville, Subban said he still wants to be part of the Montreal community and continue his charity work in the city.
"I'm just looking forward to a new chapter in my career now, but yeah, I'm going to keep ties and friendships that I've made," said Subban, wearing a white and green Just for Laughs jersey rather than the familiar Canadiens' red, white and blue.
Just for Laughs CEO Bruce Hills said Monday's show is "100 per cent sold out."
Hills said Subban will be an "honorary Montrealer forever."
On his Instagram account on Sunday, Subban told fans the "eagle has landed" and that he was "ready for tomorrow."
Subban was traded from the Montreal Canadiens to the Nashville Predators on June 29 for fellow defenceman Shea Weber – a move that angered many Habs fans.
