P.K. Subban, the former NHL standout, made headlines recently with his bold comments contrasting the performances of NHL players during the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off with those of NBA players during the beleaguered All-Star Weekend. Speaking during various appearances on ESPN, Subban emphasized the importance of athletes showing full commitment to their games and questioned the behavior of NBA stars like LeBron James, who opted out of participating just hours before the event.
During his discussions, Subban reflected on the buzz around the 4 Nations championship game, which was set to pit Team USA against Canada, and touted its importance, even hinting it could rival the excitement of the Stanley Cup Final. "The game has never been bigger than where it is today. That's exactly the opportunity these guys have — to play for something bigger than themselves. Some of these guys have never even played in the Stanley Cup playoffs, but people are saying this game is bigger than the Stanley Cup games last year and any Stanley Cup games we’re going to see this year," he stated on ESPN’s Get Up.
Subban's remarks came during what many considered one of the most anticipated hockey games of recent times, which was viewed as another chance for the NHL to solidify its reputation for producing exciting, hard-fought games. Contrast this with the NBA’s perceived shortcomings, especially during the All-Star Game, where, as Subban pointed out, efforts appeared to lack sincerity. "I’m sick and tired of making athletes greats, all-time greats, who aren’t the best examples! Those are the people we want our kids to follow," he added, calling out the culture within professional sports to prioritize entertainment over genuine competition.
The commentary holds weight amid increasing frustration from fans who have paid hefty prices for tickets only to witness minimal effort on display. Subban pointed out, "What are you playing for? If you’re really about sports, then you’re about two things, your teammates and the fans... When you do not show up to play, you’re letting your teammates down, letting the fans down who are paying you 40, 50, 60 million." His passionate statement aimed to amplify the sentiment among hockey enthusiasts who have enjoyed seeing their players go all out for their countries during international tournaments.
This season's All-Star Game disappointed fans again, leading to Subban’s comments unfortunately feeling all the more relevant. With more than one critique of the NBA's load management culture, observers noted how such practices diminished the spirit of competition expected from top-tier athletes. The fallout from the events can be observed not only from fans reacting online but also from sports networks discussing the effectiveness of such exhibition games and what alterations might make them more engaging.
While some may argue the validity of equaling the competitiveness of the 4 Nations Face-Off against any All-Star game, Subban's remarks sparked conversations around expectations of professional athletes. Interestingly, as Subban noted, the NHL All-Star Game also faced criticisms over the years for declining competitiveness and excitement, but the introduction of the 4 Nations tournament came at the right time, reinvigorated interest, and delivered high-stakes hockey unlike anything experienced at the traditional All-Star events.
With the buildup to Team USA’s initial victory over Canada earlier this tournament — where they won 3-1 — Subban reinforced the growing anticipation leading to the final showdown, urging fans to “buckle up, strap in, pack a lunch, dinner, breakfast for tomorrow morning, whatever you need to do to get ready... It’s going to be awesome.”
Subban's comments reverberated through the sports community as he drew attention to athletes’ roles as public figures and role models, reminding them of their influence on younger generations and the importance of embodying the spirit of sportsmanship. This passionate discourse provides food for thought and encourages audiences to reflect on what they expect from athletes who make millions, and whether they should hold ourselves, and them, accountable for their actions.
While the 4 Nations Face-Off has sparked positive discussion and high viewer interest, it highlights the stark differences between varying sports leagues and their respective showcases. Whether these two worlds learn from each other moving forward remains to be seen, but for now, it's clear where Subban stands: advocating for high effort and excitement over casual appearances.