The Montreal Canadiens did it right, as they always do.
P.K. Subban’s return to the Bell Centre for the first time since his trade to Nashville was an emotional one.
To see him at the blue line, tears rolling down his face as the fans stood for almost two minutes even had the most cold-hearted reaching for a tissue.
It speaks to the impact, however, P.K. Subban had in Montreal for the six seasons he spent there.
Subban respected the tradition of the Montreal Canadiens and also spent a lot of time in the city, including his massive donation to a hospital.
He showed it again on Thursday night as he blew kisses to the widow of Jean Beliveau.
But last night’s emotion was a statement on just how much fans really didn’t want Subban traded and, vice versa, Subban didn’t want to leave Montreal.
And it speaks to the pressure for general manager Marc Bergevin that this trade works out.
Fans won’t soon forget the man who traded away one of the most popular players in recent Montreal history — a trade that likely defines Bergevin’s tenure.