Canadiens agree with D Subban on 8-year deal

The Canadiens have agreed to terms with defenseman P.K. Subban on an eight-year deal.

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

Subban, who already has a Norris Trophy and Olympic gold medal, would be under contract through 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 P.K. Subban,'' general manager Marc Bergevin said in a statement. ''This agreement helps consolidate the future of our team. A key element of our group of young veterans, P.K. 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.''