The Montreal Canadiens could use a second-line centre, and Nick Suzuki might have some intel on a good one.
The next question, however, are Carolina Hurricanes willing to part ways with one of their young centre prospects.
Ryan Suzuki could be an option for the Habs, who have the luxury of employing Ryan’s older brother, CH captain Nick Suzuki.
Ryan Suzuki and Bradly Nadeau take care of business in the shootout. @Chicago_Wolves | #CHIvsRFD pic.twitter.com/6D8gCU0yj4
— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) March 26, 2025
The story of the 2024-2025 season for the Habs is still unfinished, with the playoffs awaiting, but Kent Hughes certainly needs a second-line centre, even with the Habs (hopeful) playoff berth.
So, if he and Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky can come together and iron out a deal, I think Suzuki could be a nice addition to the CH fold.
Ryan is 23, and has four professional seasons under his belt in the American Hockey League, and this season he posted 10-44-54 in 64 games.
I feel he is on the cusp of NHL time, and the Hurricanes centre depth is good enough to make many blush.
Carolina’s centre room features Seth Jarvis, Sebastian Aho, Jordan Staal, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Jack Roslovic, Logan Stankoven and Jackson Blake. You get the point.
The Canes also have some great depth at the position in their prospect pool, including guys like Justin Robidas, Skylar Brind’Amour and Nikita Guslistov.
Safe to say, they have great depth at the position, internally, and in their pool. Historically, the Hurricanes have great depth throughout their lineup.
Having said that, I think Hughes could entice the Canes into a trade, if he so pleases.
Having two Suzuki’s and two Xhekaj’s won’t hurt a thing.
I’m for this idea. I also think having two sets of brothers in a lineup that treats one another like brothers, would be massive for the culture.
I also feel that Ryan would add great size, intelligence and that competitive fire to the Habs much like Nick. And Ryan is two inches taller, shoots left and at 190 pounds, is strong and stout.
He shoots the puck well, and his playmaking - driven by his vision, and a great processor - employs pinpoint passes, deception and everything is done with purpose, he doesn’t waste energy.
I have seen way too much of Nick, and have so much respect for the maturity and leadership that he brings to the Canadiens, that I can’t help but feel Ryan would be a tremendous fit, under Nick’s wing, and especially, in the Habs dressing room.
Some food for thought, with Ivan Demidov and Patrik Laine needing a centre. Sorry Alex Newhook.