Being the captain of an Original Six franchise isn’t easy, just ask Auston Matthews. But, the Toronto Maple Leafs captain has done something that Nick Suzuki of the Montreal Canadiens hasn’t yet – reach the 100-point threshold.
One NHL analyst believes that will change this season.
A Big Season Awaits Canadiens’ Captain, Nick Suzuki
While making an appearance on The Sick Podcast, NHL analyst Stu Cowan made a 100-point prediction regarding Suzuki.
“I think this season we see Suzuki become a 100-point player,” Cowan said to the host. “He went from 77 points to 89 points (last year). I don’t see why he can’t add 11 more to that.”
After starting off his career with back-to-back 41-point seasons, the 26-year-old center has increased his point production every year since. The 5-foot-11, 207 lb captain is used in all situations and is a great all-around player for the Canadiens.
“Nick Suzuki is such a solid, solid hockey player,” Cowan continued. “I love watching him play. When I’m in the press box at the Bell Center, I love just watching him…where he goes, what he does, and he’s so smart. He doesn’t waste energy, he anticipates the play so well, he intercepts so many plays in the neutral zone.”
“He hardly ever makes a mistake.”
Ivan Demidov is the Key to the Canadiens’ Captain’s Success
One key difference for the Canadiens heading into the new season will be having a full season of Ivan Demidov on the roster. His addition to the roster cannot be understated.
As the team is currently constructed, Demidov will likely spend the majority of the season alongside Suzuki. In turn, the two players should give each other a boost in production.
Cowan is convinced that playing with Demidov will be a driving factor in helping the Canadiens’ captain reach the 100-point plateau.
“Especially with (Ivan) Demidov playing with him now,” Cowan predicted. “Picking up some more assists on the powerplay with him there.”
Suzuki went from a career-high 31 powerplay points in 2023-24 to 27 last year. With Demidov on the same unit as Suzuki, it’s reasonable to suggest that Suzuki should be able to register at least 31 points with the man advantage.
Martin St. Louis Believes Suzuki is Just “Scratching the Surface”
Canadiens’ head coach Martin St. Louis has a lot of trust in his top center. In April, he was asked if Suzuki has a ceiling above what he has displayed to date.
“If I was a betting man, I would say yes,” St. Louis told the media at the time. “Because he’s still young and he’s playing with two young players (Cole Caufield & Juraj Slafkovsky),” said St. Louis. “So I think as they all mature together and get older, I think it’s only going to get better.”
St. Louis wants Suzuki to be in charge of his development. The Canadiens’ head coach wants his players to decide what kind of players they will be.
“What’s his ceiling? I don’t know,” St. Louis admits. “I don’t want to think about what’s his ceiling because I want him to dictate what that ceiling’s going to be. For me, it’s fun to be part of his journey and just watch him evolve as a player and take charge and lead. It’s been impressive this year.”
With the faith of his coach and the support of teammates, reaching 100 points looks achievable for the young pivot. With reports detailing that the Canadiens won’t be trading top prospects for immediate help, the responsibility to improve will land on the current core’s shoulders.
That’s not to say that a minor deal won’t happen, but it’s up to Suzuki and company to build on the successful season they had last year. Suzuki hitting 100 points is a step in that direction.
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