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Spotlight on Nick Suzuki, the young captain

2022-09-24 09:28:57 Updated on 2022-09-24 09:33:22

At the beginning of the summer of 2022, the Montreal Canadiens offered Nick Suzuki a few weeks to think about this offer: to become the team's new captain.

Nick Suzuki, a captain who leads by example

Now that's an interesting offer! But, captain of the Montreal Canadiens at 23 years old...?

Nick Suzuki, a captain who leads by example

Nick Suzuki was drafted 13th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017.

Nick Suzuki, a captain who leads by example

It was also the year that Nico Hischier (pictured), Nolan Patrick, Cale Makar, Miro Heiskanen, Elias Pettersson were all drafted... A big year!

Nick Suzuki, a captain who leads by exampleNick Suzuki, a captain who leads by example

Suzuki dominated Ontario junior field hockey from 2016 to 2019. He is also invited to play in the 2019 World Junior Hockey Championship.

Nick Suzuki, a captain who leads by example

Nick Suzuki's career took a major turn in 2018, however, when the Montreal Canadiens acquired him.

Nick Suzuki, a captain who leads by example

Max Pacioretty left the Canadiens for Vegas. In return, the tricolore gets Suzuki, Tomas Tatar and a 2nd round pick.

Nick Suzuki, a captain who leads by example

In his 2nd training camp in 2019, Nick Suzuki is making a name for himself with the Montreal Canadiens. He already has 41 points in 71 games.

Nick Suzuki, a captain who leads by example

Starting in 2020, the young center plays 10 playoff games. Experience is gained early in his career, great news.

Nick Suzuki, a captain who leads by example

History is repeating itself in 2020-21. Even though he missed several games, Suzuki collected 41 points once again. And he adds 22 playoff games to the tally!

Nick Suzuki, a captain who leads by example

These playoffs have been a turning point in the career of the young man from London, Ontario. 7 goals, 9 assists in 22 games, while he is only 21 years old.

Nick Suzuki, a captain who leads by example

The Montreal Canadiens' 2021-22 season has been tough on everyone's morale. Still, Nick Suzuki managed to string together 21 goals, along with 40 assists.

Nick Suzuki, a captain who leads by example

Important fact: Suzuki has played all 82 of his team's games.

Nick Suzuki, a captain who leads by example

One statistic stands out when analyzing the performance of the Habs' new captain: seasons of -15, -5 and -29 in terms of differential.

Nick Suzuki, a captain who leads by example

In other words, he's often on the ice when the opposition scores. That said, take note that the Habs are not a defensive example, as a whole...

Nick Suzuki, a captain who leads by example

Suzuki's little blip in the game doesn't change the fact that he was named team captain. There are many testimonials to that effect.

Nick Suzuki, a captain who leads by example

Phillip Danault, for example, confirmed that the Habs made a good choice. "He's serious, I don't think anyone would be a better captain than Nick," he said.

Nick Suzuki, a captain who leads by example

Suzuki's mother is also very comfortable with the choice! "He was always confident, but never too confident. His calmness set him apart from others. He would show up to every game."

Nick Suzuki, a captain who leads by example

That calmness and maturity is already apparent. It seems the new captain took young Logan Mailloux under his wing over the summer, and he could be in for a bumpy ride in the pros.