“I never looked at myself or ever felt I was ‘just a hockey player’. I always looked at myself as a person who happened to play hockey. Having that perspective allowed me to enjoy every shift like it was my last.” P.K. Subban sent this message to the world when he was retiring in September 2022. What Subban also ‘happened to’ do during his playing days was inspire the next generation, and that is something that he is thankful for.

Among those that he inspired was the now 18-year-old Bill Zonnon, who was picked 22nd overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins at the 2025 NHL draft. Zonnon’s parents, Augustin and Mathilde—both immigrants from Togo—weren’t hockey fans, but their son, who was born in Montreal, grew up watching the Canadiens, where Subban spent the lion’s share of his NHL career. “PK had a significant influence on my development as a hockey player,” said the 6’2” forward on the eve of the draft. “My earliest hockey memories are watching the Canadiens. I wore a PK Subban jersey when I played mini-hockey at home…I wanted to emulate him. He allowed me to dream.”

So, the next day, when he got his most significant opportunity yet to make that dream into reality, ESPN reporter Emily Kaplan made sure his story didn’t go unheard. “This kid got into hockey watching P.K. Subban play for the Montreal Canadiens. He asked his parents, ‘Can I play?’” she said. And Subban, who listened, was deeply moved. 

On June 28, Subban took to X to share his gratitude for the honor that he had unknowingly been bestowed with. “To be an example is a true honour for me in sports,” he began. “These are the moments I will always hold dear to my heart. It matters! In some ways, the feeling this gives me is like winning a cup… It’s bigger than that. The most exciting thing about the draft for me this year, are all the great examples of leadership we have In the league today that these young stars can look up to.” Well, needless to say, the teenager will have no shortage of leaders to draw inspiration from thanks to the presence of legends like Sidney Crosby (who might end up sticking around) and Evgeni Malkin.

Apart from Bill Zonnon, the Penguins also picked forwards Benjamin Kindel (11th), Will Horcoff (24th), and defenceman Charlton Trethewey (73rd) among others. And Subban is confident that such talents, as they stand on the shoulders of greats, will usher in a new age for the sport.

He continued, “To say I’m happy to be an NHL alumni today is an understatement. I truly believe our game is headed to new heights, and it’s on the backs of all the great people that touch our game.” And added, “📺💨💨💨👀🫳🏿🍿Buckle up! The future is here! 📈.” Well, it is. And Bill Zonnon is ready to be a part of it.

P.K. Subban’s admirer on being picked by the Pittsburgh Penguins

After being picked, Bill Zonnon reportedly told GM Kyle Dubas that his new organization is going to get everything he’s got. The 18-year-old also said, “It was incredible being drafted by the Penguins. Obviously, they’re a team that I grew up watching.” Then he also added, “I’m someone that works hard every single day and always wants to be better… My strengths are just my competence and my versatility. I’m very good offensively, but I’m very reliable defensively as well.” 

Zonnon has had the spotlight on him for a while now. Playing for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, Bill has only improved his production over the years. Since he was drafted in the QMJHL league, he went from 39 points in the first year to 58 points the following season. And don’t be surprised, he ended the 2024-25 QMJHL season with 83 points this year. 

According to Pension Plan Puppets, “Zonnon didn’t just improve his offensive production this year, he also greatly improved his all-around play and became a much more versatile forward.” NHL draft expert Will Scouch also finds himself impressed by “the pace of his game.” According to Scouch, Zonnon may not be the most “beautiful skater out there but he is absolutely not slow, and absolutely not without skill.” If everything goes his way, he’ll have the opportunity to learn from some of the very best in the sport when he joins the Penguins. And who knows? He could sneak in a session or two with P.K. Subban as well.