Former NHL player Akim Aliu has publicly criticized his former teammate P.K. Subban for his recent social media post supporting former President Donald Trump. Subban, currently a sports analyst for ESPN after his last NHL season in 2022, shared a post about Trump’s phone call to Team USA ahead of the 4 Nations championship game against Canada.

Subban, in a post on X, shared details of Trump’s call, which included references to making Canada the 51st state and referred to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “Governor Trudeau.” Subban wrote, “The Trizzy Train could be coming through soon,” in reference to Trump’s Truth Social post.

Subban had also expressed his desire for Trump to attend the final at TD Garden in Boston, following Trudeau’s attendance at the USA-Canada match in Montreal. “I hope he shows up,” Subban said on ESPN. “The Prime Minister [Justin Trudeau] showed up [in Montreal]… there’ll be a ton of people in that building. The atmosphere is going to be amazing.”

Aliu’s Critique

Aliu, on the other hand, offered a starkly different opinion, calling Subban a “sellout” and a “disgrace.” In a tweet, Aliu stated, “I’ve watched you from afar and never said anything for two main reasons. 1 being the respect I have for your brothers and parents & 2 I’ve always wanted to keep the in fighting between folks of color to a minimum.”

“This was something I couldn’t let go – I’ve known you since I was ten years old and played with you, so I’d say I know you better than most at a deeper level. You were a hell of a player and instead of using your platform you did everything in your power to gain acceptance and popularity, nothing with you has ever been genuine but transactional and usually for publicity reasons.”

– Akim “Dreamer” Olumide Aliu, February 20, 2025

Both Aliu and Subban were born in 1989 and grew up in Toronto before being selected in the 2007 NHL Draft. Aliu continued, “Even during this most sensitive time both politically and socially you take the side of the oppressor because that’s who you make your money from. I would of thought the ‘love’ you have always claimed for your country, a country you represented at the highest levels would shine through to push back on rhetoric of annexation and humiliation of the very land you are born and raised in, but even that doesn’t get you to do the right morally.”

Subban’s Career and Legacy

Subban won an Olympic gold medal on Team Canada in 2014, along with two gold medals at the World Juniors in 2008 and 2009. He played for three NHL franchises: the Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, and New Jersey Devils. Aliu suggested that Subban was widely disliked across the league, stating, “This is the reason why every place you have played — no one liked you and players on the inside have always known who you really are — a sell out of the highest proportions. You are the perfect example of why people of color haven’t progressed at the highest levels of society. From one man to another, you’re a disgrace and history will judge you accordingly.”

Akim Aliu’s Journey

Aliu had a short-lived NHL career, playing just seven games with the Calgary Flames in the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons. He last played in the 2023-24 season, making a three-game comeback with the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda after taking three years off from the sport.

In 2019, Aliu called out former Flames coach Bill Peters for racist behavior, including using racial slurs at him on multiple occasions. Aliu suggested that Peters was directly responsible for stunting the growth of his career, which included a demotion to the ECHL. Peters eventually resigned from the Flames shortly after Aliu’s comments came to light. In 2020, Aliu co-founded the Hockey Diversity Alliance to fight systemic racism within the sport.

Broader Implications

The controversy highlights the ongoing debate about athletes using their platforms to address social and political issues. While some argue that athletes should focus solely on their sport, others believe that their influence can drive meaningful change. Subban’s support for Trump and Aliu’s critique underscore the polarizing nature of political stances in sports.

This incident also raises questions about the broader implications of athletes’ public statements. For instance, when NBA star LeBron James spoke out against police brutality, he faced significant backlash but also garnered widespread support. Similarly, Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling protest during the national anthem sparked a national conversation about racial injustice.

In the context of hockey, Aliu’s activism has brought attention to issues of racism and diversity within the sport. His co-founding of the Hockey Diversity Alliance has been a significant step towards addressing systemic racism, echoing efforts in other sports like the NFL’s Inspire Change initiative.

Future Directions

Moving forward, the debate over athletes’ political involvement is likely to continue. As more athletes speak out on social issues, the public discourse will evolve, potentially leading to greater awareness and action on these issues. For sports organizations, it will be crucial to support athletes who choose to use their platforms for social change, while also fostering an inclusive environment that respects diverse viewpoints.

For Aliu and Subban, the controversy serves as a reminder of the power of public statements and the responsibility that comes with being a public figure. As they continue their careers, their actions and words will be scrutinized, and their legacies will be shaped by how they navigate these complex issues.