A Winning Habit
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Montreal Canadiens: Top Five Players Under 25

By Tyler Major-Mcnicol

Apr 2, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing Cole Caufield (22) reacts after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing Cole Caufield (22) reacts after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 27, 2023; Buffalo, New York, USA; Montreal Canadiens center Nick Suzuki. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2023; Buffalo, New York, USA; Montreal Canadiens center Nick Suzuki. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

Nick Suzuki

As clutch as he was skillful, Suzuki was a cheat code in junior, and aside from his rookie campaign in the OHL, he averaged just under 100 points per season. Again, aside from his rookie year, Suzuki was a point-per-game player in the playoffs also. At the midway point of the 2018-19 season, Suzuki was dealt from Owen Sound to Guelph, and he was far and beyond the best player in the OHL playoffs that year.

Suzuki’s high IQ, clutch play and elite skillset paired with his leadership qualities allowed him to look nearly untouchable. He led the Storm, and the entire playoff leaderboard in assists with 26 and points with 42, on route to earning the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award, as playoff MVP. He helped the Storm to the OHL championship and was also awarded CHL Most Sportsmanlike Player honours and the Memorial Cup Most Sportsmanlike Player award.

Fortunately for the Vegas Golden Knights, Suzuki saved his best for the season after the 2017 Draft, which played perfectly into their hands. He slipped to 13th overall, and I would have to think that the 12 teams selecting ahead of the Knights are kicking themselves for passing on him. They didn’t get much professional play out of him, however, as he was dealt to the Canadiens in a package for Max Pacioretty.

Vegas’ loss was certainly the Habs’ gain, as Suzuki has fit right in with the Canadiens. He began his career with the Canadiens the season preceding the trade, and he would suit up for 71 games, getting his feet wet in the NHL. He posted 41 points in his rookie season, then the following season in 15 fewer games, he was able to match his previous season totals.

He has carried over his playoff performer success from junior to the NHL, posting nearly point-per-game numbers in back-to-back Canadiens postseason runs. In just two Stanley Cup playoff seasons he has accumulated 23 points (11 goals and 12 assists) through 22 games. Over the past three seasons, he has improved upon his previous point totals, finishing this past year with 66 points, 36 of which were without his trigger man, Cole Caufield, which should provide some optimism heading into Canadiens training camp.

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