“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 strong message to the world when he was retiring in September 2022. What Subban also ‘happened to’ do was inspire the next generation, and that is something that he is thankful for.

It was evident when the Pittsburgh Penguins picked 18-year-old Bill Zonnon as the 22nd overall. When he was picked, ESPN reporter Emily Kaplan beautifully described a turning point in this future star’s career. She said, “This kid got into hockey watching P.K. Subban play for the Montreal Canadiens. He asked his parents, ‘Can I play?’” After listening to this anecdote by the ESPN reporter, the former defenseman, Subban, was moved. He then wrote an emotional message on his X-handle reacting to the realisation of being an inspiration to young hockey players. 

On June 28, P.K. Subban penned, “To be an example is a true honour for me in sports. 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.” He also added what it means for the development of the sport of hockey itself. 

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! 📈.”  To talk about the Pittsburgh Penguins’ picks in the 2025 NHL Draft, they selected forward Ben Kindel as 11th overall. Also drafted Will Horcoff (24th overall) in the first round, in addition to picking up Bill Zonnon on day one.

Bill Zonnon landed in Pittsburgh, ready to repeat the 2016-17 season of the Penguins? 

It was 2016-17 when the Penguins hoisted the Stanley Cup for the last time they defeating the Nashville Predators, and Sidney Crosby won the Conn Smythe Trophy. No doubt it was a memorable season. And the fans must be hopeful to repeat the same year when Crosby is also still there. But there is another reason also, that new workhorses added to the stable may force fans to hope for the cup in the upcoming season. 

After being picked, Bill Zonnon reportedly told GM Kyle Dubas that his new organization is going to get everything I’ve 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.” NHL.com reported it. Actually, Bill’s ancestors are from Togo, Africa. His parents moved to Canada before Bill was born. Bill was born and raised in Quebec.

As we know, the Penguins got three star college hockey players, and one of them is who might have a big P.K. Subban poster in his locker- Bill Zonnon. Zonnon has a star performance of Subban in his mind. He implemented it in his 2024-25 season with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in the QMJHL league in Canada. Bill’s production jump shows an upward trend. 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.” Also, according to Will Scouch, an NHL draft expert, “The thing I love about Zonnon relative to the others available is the pace of his game.” Hope he shows the same strong skills in the 2025-2026 NHL season.