For Belleville Senators goaltender Malcolm Subban, everything old is new again.
Returning to the Friendly City for the 2024-25 season, Subban signed a one-year, one-way AHL contract, marking a reunion with the community that played a significant role in his development.
"I was excited when I got the news that I would be coming back here," he said. "I’m thrilled to be here. It’s been great seeing everyone so far, and I’m looking forward to getting to know the guys and the staff better. It's been awesome."
While the transaction helps provide crucial depth to the Senators goaltending it also brings Subban back to a city that holds much of his family history.
Malcolm and his brothers, P.K and Jordan, played their major junior careers in Belleville with the Bulls over a decade long period.
P.K. spent four seasons (2005-09) with the organization, helping Belleville to a Memorial Cup appearance in 2008. In his all star NHL career, he won the Norris trophy as the leagues' most outstanding defenceman.
Jordan also skated with Belleville (2011-15) as a high-end blueliner and was drafted into the NHL by Vancouver and went on to play in the AHL.
During his tenure with the Bulls (2009-13), Malcolm was a stellar netminder. In 118 games, he posted an impressive 64-42-6 record, a 2.52 goals-against average, a .921 save percentage, and eight shutouts.
Selected by the Boston Bruins in the first round (24th overall) of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. His stellar play in Belleville helped lay the foundation for a professional career that has spanned both the NHL and AHL.
When his older brother, P.K. first suited up in Belleville, Malcolm didn't have an intimate knowledge of the Bulls. Things changed quickly when he visited the rink and became an avid fan.
"When PK got drafted, I was 12 years old. I didn't know what the OHL was, I knew the St. Michael's Majors, but I didn't know what league they were in. So, when we came here to the opener and seeing the mascots, the festival outside before the game. I instantly fell in love as a young kid."
Making his return, Malcolm is enthusiastic for the new challenges, but also reminiscent about watching games at the Yardmen Arena as a youth.
"Just coming and wanting to watch every game that I could. It was awesome. I couldn't wait," he said." We didn't do much. It was school, hockey and home. So, getting out of the bubble. I loved it, this was second home for me, and then being able to come in and play."
"I remember my first game on the ice being like wow. Like, I was just watching this for four years, and now I'm out here, and then played another three years, and [seeing] my brother playing as well, and now coming back and being able to play here again, it's really awesome."
Now, he's excited to once again play in front of the fans that have always supported him.
"I can’t wait to get in the net for them again," he said. "Words can’t describe how much they mean to our family, what they’ve done for us, and what that organization did for us. I’m so happy to be back and to get the chance to play in front of them again."
Since his days with the Bulls, the city has invested in significant upgrades. CAA Arena and the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre have transformed, thanks to a $20.5 million expansion. The facility is now a top-tier venue for the AHL Senators, who moved from Binghamton.
Malcolm certainly took notice of the changes.
"It’s a lot better than some of the places I’ve been," he said. "The setup here is awesome, definitely state-of-the-art. Not just for the AHL, but just in general. It’s a great venue, and I’m just excited to play the first game."
While many players have seen time in the Friendly City few have played for both the Senators and the Bulls. Subban is set to become only the second player in franchise history, after forward Tyler Randell (2017-18), a close friend of Malcolm.
"It's pretty special for me. This place is like my second home." he said. "Obviously, a lot of players have come through here, but for me, it’s incredible to be back and to experience all of this."
"It’s crazy to think that we might be the only two players to ever do it, so it’s just awesome."
Even the team's pre-game warmups are nostalgic for Subban.
"We were playing Sewer ball today, and when we came back inside, seeing the lights off in the arena and the green seats," he said. "I've had so many déjà vu moments already. It’s awesome to be here."
Many local fans that saw Malcolm backstop the Bulls in his junior days, will also feel a sense of familiarity when he dazzles them again as a professional.
Comments