"This is a very special moment with the Devils doing this jersey for Black History Month and I'm so happy that the organization and NHL has given us an opportunity to put this together," the defenseman said.
The crest of the warmup jersey, which celebrates all Black players and coaches in Devils history, will feature Subban's slogan, "A Movement, Not A Moment."
The nine former players and coaches on the crest are Sean Brown, Mark Fraser, Mike Grier, Johnny Oduya, Bryce Salvador, Wayne Simmonds, Devante Smith-Pelley, Claude Vilgrain, and Kevin Weekes. A silhouette of Subban in his signature goal celebration pose is also in the crest design.
One shoulder of the jersey will feature a patch honoring Hockey Hall of Fame forward Willie O'Ree, who became the first Black NHL player when he debuted with the Boston Bruins against the Montreal Canadiens at the Montreal Forum in 1958. The other shoulder includes a "Hockey Is For Everyone" patch. Each jersey will have the No. 22 on the back to honor O'Ree, who had that number retired by the Bruins on Jan. 18.
"When players are celebrated now, that has come on the shoulders of those before us, like Willie O'Ree," Subban said. "These moments are reflective of progress and change. The game will get to a place where it isn't just about the Black players, the Black individuals who work in the sport, to have to speak out. The real sign of change is when the Black players and individuals don't have to say anything and we will get there."
Within the jersey number, there will be phrases highlighting O'Ree's impact on the game. The jerseys will be available for auction beginning Monday through March 7 and will benefit the Devils Youth Foundation and the P.K. Subban Foundation.
