Canadiens lock up Subban

The Montreal Canadiens on Saturday agreed to terms with defenseman P.K. Subban on an eight-year deal. worth $72 million.

A day after an arbitration hearing that would have led to a one-year contract, the team and Subban reached accord on a long-term arrangement.

Subban, who already has a Norris Trophy as the NHL's outstanding defenseman and an Olympic gold medal, will be under contract through to the age of 33.

He had 10 goals and 43 assists last season and has 42 goals and 125 assists in his NHL career.

"We are very pleased to have reached a long term agreement with PK Subban," GM Marc Bergevin said.

"This agreement helps consolidate the future of our team. A key element of our group of young veterans, PK plays with a high level of intensity every time he steps onto the ice.

"Despite his young age, he carries a great deal of experience and brings contagious energy to the team. Defensemen of his level are a rare commodity in the NHL."

Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning have signed goaltender Ben Bishop to a two-year contract extension.

Bishop, a Vezina Trophy finalist last season, went 37-14-7 with a 2.23 goals-against average in 63 games. He set team records for single-season wins and GAA.

Bishop has played in 108 games with the Lightning, Ottawa and St. Louis, going 55-31-11 with eight shutouts.

The extension runs through the 2016-17 season.

(China Daily 08/04/2014 page23)