I don't think Markov is back next seasonMSP4LYFE wroteCOLONNo Steve, he really isn't...He had 40 points, and a ton of periphery stats on a team that was without their #1 offensive defenceman (Andrei Markov), and their #1 shut down defenceman (Josh Gorges). You are paying for what you think PK will become, problem is that what he already is, is not likely to continue. The points will likely go up, but he will not continue to be a top penalty killing defenceman, frankly he is just not very good defensively.
John Tavares is currently the better player, and has a significantly higher ceiling than PK Subban. Your only hope to save face in this deal is Grabovski, as a Leaf fan I really hope there is another gear.
That said, PK isn't going to take a step back at the age of 21....he was Montreals best player in the playoffs.....
I'll agree that he needs to work on his defensive game, he made some horrible mistakes in the playoffs, but he also hit everything that moved....I think he could very well become a franchise dman. Heck, i'd almost do Tavares for PK...if that offer was on the table.
