Dumont: Suzuki Perfect Choice For Canadiens Captain

It should come as no surprise that Nick Suzuki was named the 31st captain of the Montreal Canadiens organization, as he’s been preparing for this role well before he was acquired by the club.

In fact, it started shortly after he laced up his skates for the first time at the tender age of 3. Nick is two years older than his brother Ryan, who currently plays for the Carolina Hurricanes’ AHL affiliate, and though the two get along famously, their roles were clearly defined from the get-go. Nick was the calming presence at the family table, whereas Ryan was the instigator, playing jokes on his older brother whenever the opportunity arose. Nick never retaliated. He never took it personally.

He took the teasing in good fun, understanding his younger brother was simply trying to find his voice at a table filled with imposing family members, most notably their parents: Amanda and Rob. Whenever a situation necessitating his help came to light, Nick was the first to defend his younger brother, playing the elder statesman role to perfection.

The early training will serve Nick Suzuki well as he evolves into a well-respected NHL captain. There will be situations when he will be required to simply listen, a trait most leaders understand is necessary to allow their players to find their value among the team.

He will also be required to intervene, explain, and lead by example, as he did several times while growing up alongside an energetic sibling. Simply put, his calm, reassuring presence should go a long way in maintaining the crux of every successful team; a healthy locker room.

“For me, it’s how he handles everyday things,” explained head coach Martin St. Louis. “Yes, he’s calm, but he’s not soft. He’s composed. He can handle his emotions. He’s got a good head on his shoulders.”

Of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Suzuki’s on-ice exploits. Not only has he led the team in playoff scoring during both post-season appearances, but he also earned an NHL All-Star nomination in addition to leading the Canadiens in regular-season scoring last season. He’s the type of player that never takes a single shift off, and has the rare ability to improve his already-impressive work rate once the playoffs roll around.

With the team entering a delicate, yet crucial chapter of their rebuild, Suzuki’s 8-year contract —which serves as a long-term commitment to the franchise, will cover the majority of the rebuilding process, as well as the difficult climb up the NHL standings.

Eventually, the Canadiens should emerge as a strong team filled with young, established NHL players. But until that time, there will be a significant amount of pressure, and few have handled the pressure of Montreal as well as the London, ONT native.

Yes, being the youngest captain in team history will present Suzuki with a rather steep learning curve, but the fact of the matter is he’s been training for this moment his entire life. There’s absolutely no doubt about it; Nick Suzuki is the perfect choice as the 31st captain of the Montreal Canadiens.