Subban, bias and the fate of Steven Stamkos

While this is a Sabres blog, and the fate of Steven Stamkos has been very relevant over the past few weeks - the more interesting story to play out on Wednesday surprisingly had to do with old Adams Division foes in the Montreal Canadiens.

The Habs dealt perennial All-Star, marquee personality and seemingly-nice-guy P.K. Subban for a steady but aging Shea Weber, who is 4 years older than Subban at 31.

Statistics, advanced, enhanced and otherwise, seem to indicate that the Preds’ David Poile skinned Marc Bergevin on this one. On a period-by-period basis, Subban outshines Weber in generating scoring chances, driving possession, defensive zone exits, loose puck recoveries and passing.

Furthermore, Subban appears to be a great guy. He just pledged $10 million to the Montreal Children’s Hospital. He signed a bridge contract seemingly out of loyalty to the Quebec franchise. He’s also maintained a high level of performance when those around him were burning up like grass in a summer draught.

Responsible journalists won’t risk their jobs by reporting on rumor and innuendo. But it seems as though Subban had issues in “the room”. Internet whispers say he has a narcissistic streak and he was uncoachable.

Maybe it’s because we live in hyper-sensitive, politically correct times, but it’s hard to read those criticisms, look at Subban and not think institutional bias didn’t play a role here.

Look at a much more diverse sport in football and see how non-white players are treated over there. Richard Sherman, a Stanford grad, is routinely called a thug, presumably because he dares to have a brash personality. Cam Newton had to become a pocket passer (read: traditional white QB) to convert skeptics last year. Remember when Husain Abdullah got flagged for bowing in Muslim prayer?

Now, hockey isn’t necessarily a hotbed of racism and oppression - but it’s hardly bias free. Just look at how Anglophones are treated skeptically in Quebec and how Francophones get the same treatment in Ontario. And that’s white-on-white bias.

P.K. Subban didn't win a humanitarian award from the NHL and his own team didn't nominate him for another one.

Let that sink in. #NHLAwards

— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) June 22, 2016

In the interest of keeping it 100, Subban has a pretty nice life and calling him oppressed would be a massive reach. However, this recent chapter in his story should make you think about how black athletes are perceived, how athletes in general are perceived and what they must do to earn the benefit of the doubt from fans, teams, their league and national team.

Stamkos stays

A quick word on Steven Stamkos staying in Tampa: All’s well that ends well.

The reported $11 million per season the Sabres were reportedly offering would have been a massive cap hit on a guy that feels like the shogun to someone else’s emperor. He’s Patrick Kane, not Jonathan Toews. He’s Jerry Rice, not Joe Montana.

The darkest timeline - Stamkos going across the border to Toronto - didn’t happen and for that Sabres fans should breathe a sigh of relief. There wil be other big fish to land next year and the year after, when Tim Murray can tease the prospects of titles and silverware.

In the mean time, the Sabres only have to worry about Shea Weber throwing the occasional sneaky cross-check into Jack Eichel’s back.