Boston Bruins: Top 3 impact players to watch on the Devils

NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 11: Taylor Hall #9 of the New Jersey Devils in action against the Boston Bruins at Prudential Center on February 11, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. The Boston Bruins defeated the New Jersey Devils 5-3. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 11: Taylor Hall #9 of the New Jersey Devils in action against the Boston Bruins at Prudential Center on February 11, 2018 in Newark, New Jersey. The Boston Bruins defeated the New Jersey Devils 5-3. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
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p.k. subban devils
NEWARK, NJ – OCTOBER 4: P.K. Subban #76 of the New Jersey Devils in action during the second period against the Winnipeg Jets at the Prudential Center on October 4, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

P.K. Subban

The Devils made a number of signings and trades this offseason. One of the biggest trades was with Nashville for P.K. Subban.

Bruins fans remember Subban from his days in Montreal. Given his play, Subban was a fan favorite every time he played in Boston. He always seemed to be the center of attention.

Subban is a dynamic defenseman. He has an exceptionally powerful stride, and he is strong enough to handle even the biggest forwards.

Subban also has a rocket of a slap shot from the point. He uses his patented windup to generate power, and he routinely picks a top corner.

With his shot, Subban is valuable on the power play. He had 10 power play goals in three years for Nashville. He even finished one season with Montreal with eight goals on the power play.

The Bruins definitely need to avoid the penalty box against New Jersey. And if they can’t, the Bruins at least must limit Subban’s space out there.

New Jersey will rely on Subban to be more of a shutdown defenseman this season. He’ll match up against the opposing team’s best forwards. This isn’t a role he had in Nashville, but he certainly is capable.

Expect the Devils to put Subban out there against Boston’s top line on Saturday night. The Boston Bruins need to win that matchup if they want to win the game.