In September, former NHL defenceman P.K. Subban announced his retirement from hockey at the age of 33. With his playing days in the rear-view mirror, he’s now looking back at his summer and his negotiations with teams with some amusement.

The Norris Trophy-winning blueliner was an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career, and admits he was shocked by the lack of interest around the league.

“I was pretty surprised,” Subban said via Canoe.com. “I felt I could have helped a number of teams. As a free agent, I wanted to play on a contending team. I think Edmonton showed some interest. Carolina showed some interest. I did not have discussions with the Maple Leafs. They were not interested in signing me.

“I think a lot of people wanted me to continue to train for the first part of the season, but that’s not the player I am. I never thought of myself as a replacement player. I was always a top player in this league. I didn’t want to be a player who is in and out of the lineup every night.

“Money was never an issue for me. It was about the opportunity to come in and help a team win. I wanted to win a Stanley Cup. But those opportunities were never presented to me.”