Max Pacioretty was shocked by P.K. Subban trade

Add Montreal Canadiens captain Max Pacioretty to the list of those who were surprised when defenseman P.K. Subban was traded to the Nashville Predators last month.

"It completely threw me off guard," Pacioretty told Sportsnet 590 The Fan on Thursday. "The first thing I did, is I picked up my phone and I called P.K., and he was in Europe and we talked about it. P.K. is the most positive human being I've ever met in my life. ... I didn't know what type of reaction there would be from him, but to see him in good spirits and to be happy about this opportunity to play in Nashville ... I think it will really be a cool opportunity for him."
Subban was traded to Nashville for defenseman Shea Weber on June 29. Pacioretty and Subban were selected by Montreal in the 2007 NHL Draft, Pacioretty in the first round (No. 22) and Subban in the second round (No. 43). They were two of the longest-tenured players on the Canadiens.

"As soon as everyone told me about [the trade], my buddies from back home would talk about my wedding and remembered how P.K. was like a third photographer there," Pacioretty said. "He had a tripod with his camera set up and was taking pictures. ... I had a lot of really good moments and memories with him and will miss him and will keep in touch with him as well.
"He's going to have a lot of success for a lot of years."
Pacioretty, who was named Montreal captain prior to last season, said he was eager to see Weber, who was Predators captain.
"I'm excited to play with Shea Weber," Pacioretty said. "He's a guy that can help out our team a lot and has had a lot of success ... He's obviously been a captain and a very successful one for quite some time now. I think on an individual level, I can learn a lot from a player like that. I'm excited to get to know him."