Is Nick Suzuki becoming the Montreal Canadiens 1C an if or a when?
By Omar L
Nick Suzuki has given the Montreal Canadiens a lot to be excited about, and many feel he could be the team’s number one centre in the future.
Whether you like it or not, Phillip Danault has been the number one centre on the Montreal Canadiens. He himself has improved exponentially since that initial trade from the Chicago Blackhawks, seeing him generate solid chemistry with Brendan Gallagher and Tomas Tatar. The defensive execution was always there, and he’s begun to add more offence to his game. However, many are looking forward to what Nick Suzuki is going to bring down the line.
The Habs initially acquired the young centre in the Max Pacioretty trade, and his growth this season has been stellar. His offence was already there, given the impact he had on the Guelph Storm last season, as well as his performance in the preseason. Claude Julien was impressed by his commitment to defence, so much so that he gave him the second-line centre spot over Max Domi.
Combine that with a 41-point rookie season, including 13 goals, and you have the recipe for good things.
Ironically, we were saying the same thing about Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Another centre prospect for the Montreal Canadiens who had to prove he could play away from the puck before being named to the team. Kotkaniemi put up 34 points in his debut year but was reliable in his own end until a few blunders came about towards the end of the season.
Back then, Kotkaniemi was talked about as the future number one centre for the Montreal Canadiens. He mesmerized hockey minds with his apparent defensive maturity, and unfortunately that went south after his struggles this season. Now the focus is on Nick Suzuki and his role in the organization.
Can Suzuki be the number one centre on the Habs? Similarly to Kotkaniemi, the potential is there.