Subban: 'I failed' to make Devils teammates better in debut season

New Jersey Devils defenseman P.K. Subban is holding himself accountable for his down year in 2019-20 and is focused on being a better leader for the budding club this season.

"I think that in some ways maybe I failed in terms of making my teammates better at times," Subban said Thursday, according to NHL.com's Mike Morreale. "I've been very fortunate in my career to have great individual years, whether it's awards or being up for trophies.

He added, "I also understand that not every year is going to be the same and not every situation is going to be the same, but your responsibility is to be a good teammate, push your teammates, make them better."

Subban captured the Norris Trophy in 2013 while with the Montreal Canadiens and was one of the league's most electric blue-liners for much of last decade. Last season, however, Subban recorded a career-low 18 points in his debut campaign with the Devils and looked far removed from his former award-winning self.

The 31-year-old is the third-oldest player on the Devils' roster and understands how important it is to turn his game around in order for the team to maximize its potential.

"I'd like to play in Stanley Cup Playoffs again and, you know, bring this team together and to a place where we can compete for a Stanley Cup again," Subban said.

"I also understand that it's a young team, so that's a process. I still feel I can get better, so I want to continue to work with our coaching staff and my teammates. A big thing, too, is just jelling as a team, getting used to playing with new teammates."

The Devils opened their training camp Thursday after a 10-month layoff.

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