P.K. Subban is on his way out of Montreal to a team he says "wants" him and brings him "a whole lot closer" to winning a Stanley Cup.

Montreal Canadiens star defenceman Subban was traded Wednesday for the Nashville Predators Shea Weber, in a move that sent shockwaves through Montreal, many reacting on social media and in the streets of Montreal with outrage at the decision.

“We completed today an important transaction which I am convinced will make the Canadiens a better team. It was also one of the most difficult decisions I had to make as general manager of the Montreal Canadiens,” he said, adding, “P.K. Subban is a special and very talented player. He provided the Canadiens organization with strong performances on the ice and generous commitment in the community.”

On the phone from Paris with Nashville media, Subban said he might have a better chance at winning a Stanley Cup in Nashville.

"Right now I'm going to a team that wants me," Subban said.

Subban also commented on leaving Montreal in a video he posted on Twitter.

“I just want to say to all my fans in Montreal, all Montreal Canadiens fans, to anybody from Quebec who has supported me for my past six years in Montreal, it’s been an amazing time. Obviously I look forward to continuing to work in Montreal with the hospital and helping that community. I love you guys so much. Merci beaucoup,” he said, ending the video by telling his new friends in Nashville “Get ready. Howdy!”

In a press conference, Bergevin said the rumours that Subban didn’t fit in were an overreaction.

“We always look to make a story where there isn't any," he said. "Yes P.K.'s different, we're not going to hide that, but there was never an issue, never a problem. I fought with my teammates in practice, it happens all the time so I think it was blown out of proportion."

Subban, a 27-year-old Toronto native, made his NHL debut with the Habs in 2009, and has played his entire career with the team. He scored six goals and 45 assists in 68 games last season for the Canadiens before suffering an injury.

He won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenceman in 2013. In addition, Subban is a fan favourite, known for his philanthropy: He pledged $10 million to the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation last year, and the entrance was renamed the P.K. Subban Atrium. Subban’s commitment to the hospital was not with his wallet only, he was also known for visiting the children there every Sunday.

Subban is also slated to host a Just for Laughs gala in Montreal this summer. It will go ahead as planned.

Subban told the Nashville media he never wanted to leave Montreal.

"Listen, while I was a Montreal Canadien, there's nothing but fantastic times for me," he said. "I have to say that out of all the fanbases in the National Hockey League, the Montreal Canadiens' fans and community and the province of Quebec has probably embraced me more than any other player has felt in any other city. It's give and take. I've done a lot of things in that community and they've supported me since the day that I was drafted."

He said he's ready to be part of the team in Nashville.

"I'm just happy to be in a situation where I can excel and feel good about myself coming to the rink every day," Subban said.

Weber, who turns 31 on Aug. 14, has played with the Predators since the start of his career in 2005 and has been captain for the past six seasons. He scored 20 goals and 31 assists in 78 games last year for the Predators.

He signed a $110 million, 14-year offer sheet with Philadelphia as a restricted free agent in 2012, but Nashville matched it to keep him.

Weber will wear No. 6 for the Habs while Greg Pateryn will now wear No. 8.

"I'm not P.K. and I can't try to be," said Weber. "I'll try to bring my hard work and attitude and try to bring the team some wins.

"They've got probably the best goalie in the world and some top forwards and I'm excited to join that group."

Nashville GM David Poile said Nashville is looking forward to having the dynamic defenceman Subban on his team.

"P.K. Subban is an elite offensive defenceman with tremendous skill and contagious energy that makes the Nashville Predators a better team now and into the future," said Poile. "Superstar defencemen of his calibre are a rare commodity, and we are thrilled to add him to the organization."

While Canadiens fans were almost unanimous on social media and the streets of Montreal, expressing frustration and disappointment in the Montreal Canadiens management

The Montreal Canadiens tweeted, welcoming Weber to the city.

 

With files from The Canadian Press.