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P.K. Subban’s Five-Word Reaction to Red Wings' Mistake

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Mar 24, 2025 7:30 AM ET

Former NHL defenseman P.K. Subban didn’t hold back after watching the Detroit Red Wings fall 6–3 to the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday night.

The former Norris Trophy winner and current TNT analyst posted a five-word message on X alongside a clip of Knights' Thomas Hertl completing his hat trick against a disorganized Red Wings defense.

“Can’t be soft on D‍♂️,” Subban wrote.

On top of that, in the video Subban shared along with the message, he aimed his criticism directly at Wings defenseman Justin Holl and the front office for making the mistake of signing him two years ago.

“Justin Holl has been soft since he’s been in the league,” Subban said. “That’s on (Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman) for signing him.

”He was soft in Toronto, soft still.”

Can’t be soft on D‍♂️#nhl #hockey #goal #espn #reaction #vegas #detroit pic.twitter.com/BIWqmQSLxV
— P.K. Subban (@PKSubban1) March 23, 2025

The Red Wings signed Holl, 33, to a three-year, $10.2 million contract in July 2023. In 61 games this season, Holl has posted just five points (one goal, four assists) with a minus-7 rating, while managing 62 blocks and 29 hits.

Subban's criticism of Holl and the Red Wings' defense as a whole comes at a time when Detroit continues to slide out of playoff contention.

After sitting in a wild-card spot earlier this season, the Red Wings have now lost 10 of 14 games since the 4 Nations Face-Off break.

It's been nearly a month since Detroit won two consecutive games (Feb. 23 and 25) and the team has posted a 2-8-0 record in March.

Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan echoed some of Subban’s concerns after the loss to the Golden Knights.

“We talk about wanting to be in the playoffs, but we’re not sure we always want to be in shooting lanes,” McLellan said. “We’re not sure we want to do some things.”

Detroit will try to regain ground in the Eastern Conference's wild-card race on Monday night when the team will play the Utah Hockey Club.

The Red Wings enter Monday's game with a 32-31-6 record and 70 points, trailing the Montreal Canadiens by five points as the owners of the second WC spot.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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