Nick Suzuki

Early Life and Minor Hockey

Nicholas Masaru James Suzuki was born on August 10, 1999, in London, Ontario, to parents Rob and Amanda. His early childhood was marked by several health challenges, including hand, foot, and mouth disease, multiple bouts of pneumonia from respiratory syncytial virus, and recurrent ear infections that required surgery for tympanostomy tubes. His health improved as he grew older, and he began ice skating at the age of three. Suzuki developed a close friendship with his neighbour, future professional hockey player Isaac Ratcliffe, and the two began playing sports together regularly from the age of eight, competing in hockey in the winter and golf and soccer in the summer. Together, they played minor hockey for the London Jr. Knights, leading their team to the semifinals of the prestigious OHL Cup tournament. Suzuki's standout 2014-15 season with the Jr. Knights, where he led the ALLIANCE league with 34 goals and 68 points in just 31 games, earned him the ALLIANCE Hockey Player of the Year award and set the stage for his major junior career.

Major Junior Career in the OHL

Nick Suzuki was selected in the first round, 14th overall, by the Owen Sound Attack in the 2015 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection and signed with the team that June. He made an immediate impact in his rookie 2015-16 season, scoring his first OHL goal against the Kitchener Rangers on September 25 and finishing as the only 16-year-old in the league to score 20 or more goals that year, with 20 goals and 38 points in 63 games. His performance earned him a spot on the OHL First All-Rookie Team. His sophomore season in 2016-17 was a breakout campaign where he recorded 45 goals and 96 points in 65 games, moving up to 10th in the final NHL Central Scouting rankings after being ranked 16th at midseason and being named to the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. He added 23 points in 17 playoff games as the Attack reached the Western Conference Final, where they were eliminated by the Erie Otters in six games. His season was capped by being named to the OHL Second All-Star Team and winning both the William Hanley Trophy as the OHL's most sportsmanlike player and the CHL Sportsman of the Year award, having taken only 10 penalty minutes.

Following his selection by the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Suzuki returned to Owen Sound for the 2017-18 season as an assistant captain. He achieved several major milestones, recording his 200th OHL point with an assist on Kevin Hancock's goal against Kitchener on February 3, 2018, and his 100th OHL goal on March 10 in a shutout win over Saginaw. He earned his 100th point of the season on March 17 with a three-point game against Sarnia, becoming the first Attack player since Bobby Ryan in 2006-07 to record a 100-point season. He finished with 42 goals and 100 points in 64 games, and won his second consecutive William Hanley Trophy after recording 18 penalty minutes. After Owen Sound was eliminated from the playoffs by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in seven games, he joined the Chicago Wolves of the AHL for a brief stint in the Calder Cup playoffs, appearing in the final game of a first-round sweep. In September 2018, Suzuki's rights were traded to the Montreal Canadiens as part of a package for Max Pacioretty, but he returned to Owen Sound as team captain for the start of the 2018-19 season.

After scoring 22 goals and 45 points in 30 games for the Attack, Suzuki was traded to the Guelph Storm on January 9, 2019, in a multi-player deal that also involved future draft picks. Playing on a line with Nate Schnarr and his childhood friend Isaac Ratcliffe, Suzuki tallied 49 points in 29 games with Guelph, finishing the season with 94 points in 59 total games and earning his third straight William Hanley Trophy and a spot on the OHL Third All-Star Team. The 2019 OHL playoffs were the pinnacle of his junior career, as he led the Storm on a memorable run to the J. Ross Robertson Cup. Key achievements during that postseason included:

• Setting a Guelph Storm single-season playoff record with 42 points in 24 games, surpassing the previous franchise mark.
• Leading Guelph back from a 3-0 series deficit against the London Knights in the second round, contributing eight points in Games 4 through 6 to force a Game 7.
• Recording seven goals and 17 points in seven games during the Western Conference Final against the Saginaw Spirit, helping the Storm overcome a 3-1 series deficit.
• Winning the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as OHL Playoff MVP after notching 16 goals and 42 points.
• Capturing the OHL championship after defeating the Ottawa 67's in six games.

NHL Career with the Montreal Canadiens

Nick Suzuki made the Canadiens' opening night roster for the 2019-20 season after impressing general manager Marc Bergevin in training camp. He made his NHL debut on October 3, 2019, in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. He recorded his first point, an assist on a Joel Armia goal, five days later against the Buffalo Sabres and scored his first NHL goal in his seventh game, beating Alex Stalock in a 4-0 win over the Minnesota Wild. He and defenceman Victor Mete were the first Montreal teammates to score their first career goals in the same game since Chris Higgins and Alexander Perezhogin in 2005. His rookie season was marked by consistency and skill, as he played in all 71 games before the COVID-19 pandemic halted play, finishing with 13 goals and 41 points. That point total was the second-most by a Canadiens rookie aged 20 or younger, behind only Guy Lafleur, and he was the first Montreal rookie to register 35 points in a season since Higgins in 2005-06, achieving that mark with an assist on an Ilya Kovalchuk game-winner against Toronto on February 8, 2020. He was a key contributor in the 2020 playoff bubble, scoring his first postseason goal to put Montreal up 2-0 in a qualifier win over Pittsburgh and tying Jonathan Drouin for the team lead with seven points in 10 games, and his efforts were recognized with a selection to the NHL All-Rookie Team.

The following 2020-21 season saw Suzuki post identical point totals with 41 points, this time in 56 games, and he developed notable chemistry with rookie Cole Caufield who joined the team late in the year after finishing his college career. At the NHL trade deadline, the Canadiens acquired veteran Eric Staal specifically to act as a mentor for Suzuki and Jesperi Kotkaniemi, both of whom were struggling with consistency at the time. The 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs cemented Suzuki's status as a clutch performer. He scored the overtime winner in Game 5 against the Toronto Maple Leafs to stave off elimination, a critical moment in the Canadiens' comeback to win the series in seven games. He continued his strong play throughout a surprising run to the Stanley Cup Finals, contributing four goals and eight points in a four-game sweep of the Winnipeg Jets in the second round.

On October 12, 2021, the Canadiens demonstrated their long-term commitment by signing Suzuki to an eight-year, $63 million contract extension. He served as an alternate captain during the 2021-22 season, a difficult year for the team that saw a midseason coaching change to Martin St. Louis after Dominique Ducharme was fired with the team holding an 8-30-7 record. Under St. Louis, Suzuki was reunited with Caufield and Josh Anderson on the top line and flourished, setting then-career highs with 21 goals and 61 points. He recorded his 100th career point on December 7, 2021, with an assist in a loss to Tampa Bay, becoming the ninth-youngest Canadien and third-fastest since 1996 to reach that mark, achieving it in 154 games. He earned his first Molson Cup as the team's player of the year and was named to his first NHL All-Star Game in Las Vegas. His iron man streak of consecutive games played reached 209 by the end of the season, which was the seventh-longest among active players at the time.

Captaincy and Recent Seasons

On September 12, 2022, Nick Suzuki was named the 31st captain in Montreal Canadiens history, succeeding Shea Weber. At 23 years old, he became the youngest captain in the franchise's storied history, with Joel Edmundson and Brendan Gallagher named alternate captains. The 2022-23 season was another step forward individually, as he led the team with 26 goals and 66 points, was the Canadiens' sole representative at the NHL All-Star Game, and won his second consecutive Molson Cup. Coach Martin St. Louis experimented with his linemates, eventually settling on Kirby Dach to play alongside Suzuki and Cole Caufield, a combination that generated strong results before injuries disrupted the lineup. Suzuki was named the NHL's second star of the week for March 20-26, 2023, after a ten-point, four-game sequence that helped him tie his career high in points with nine games remaining in the season, and he finished sharing the team goal-scoring lead with Caufield at 26.

The 2023-24 season represented a true offensive breakout, where Suzuki, often flanked by Caufield and 2022 first overall pick Juraj Slafkovský, established new personal bests. He played his 300th career NHL game on October 30, 2023, against the Vegas Golden Knights, scoring a goal in regulation and the team's only shootout goal in a 3-2 loss, and he had seven points in seven career games against Vegas to that point. He was named the NHL's third star for the week of February 5-11, 2024, after recording four goals and two assists across three games, having points on six of the Canadiens' nine goals in that span. He scored his 100th career NHL goal on March 5, 2024, an overtime winner in a 3-2 victory over the Nashville Predators. He reached the 30-goal threshold on March 28 against the Philadelphia Flyers and, with a two-goal game against Florida on April 2, became the fifth Canadiens player in the salary cap era to reach 70 points in a season. He finished the campaign with team-leading totals of 33 goals and 77 points, won his third straight Molson Cup, and was nominated for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy for his leadership and community work. Early in the 2024-25 season, he continued to reach milestones, recording his 300th career NHL point on November 11, 2024, in a 7-5 win.

Playing Style and Leadership

Nick Suzuki is renowned for his high hockey intelligence, crafty puck-handling, and elite playmaking ability, which earned him the nickname 'Slick Nick' early in his career. He is a versatile forward who has effectively played both centre and wing at the NHL level, though he has settled in as the Canadiens' top-line centre. His game is defined by exceptional vision, a precise shot, and a calm demeanor under pressure, making him a consistent offensive threat and a reliable performer in crucial situations. A defining aspect of his play is his outstanding sportsmanship, a trait recognized throughout his career with three consecutive William Hanley Trophies in the OHL and the CHL Sportsman of the Year award. Despite playing a physical, minutes-consuming role, he has maintained remarkably low penalty totals throughout his professional career, demonstrating a disciplined approach to the game.

Since being named captain in 2022, Suzuki has embraced the leadership role for a young, rebuilding Canadiens team. His leadership style is characterized by leading through example with his work ethic, consistency, and competitive drive on the ice. He has developed strong on-ice chemistry with key young teammates like Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovský, helping to drive the team's offensive identity and enjoying strong results with that combination. Off the ice, his commitment to the Montreal community was formally recognized with his nomination for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 2024, highlighting his noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community. As the focal point of the franchise's future, Suzuki's combination of skill, character, and professionalism makes him the central figure in the Canadiens' plan to return to championship contention.

Career Statistics and Milestones

The statistics from Nick Suzuki's NHL regular seasons show his development as an offensive player. His point totals have increased over his first several professional campaigns. This progression demonstrates his growth into a top-line centre for the Montreal Canadiens. The data illustrates his consistent production at the highest level of hockey.

Throughout his career, Suzuki has achieved numerous significant milestones that mark his development into a franchise player. He recorded his 100th career NHL point on December 7, 2021, with an assist in a 3-2 loss to Tampa Bay, becoming the ninth-youngest Canadien to do so. He scored his 100th career NHL goal on March 5, 2024, an overtime winner against the Nashville Predators. On November 11, 2024, he registered his 300th career NHL point in a 7-5 victory. In the 2023-24 season, he became the fifth Canadiens player in the salary cap era to reach the 70-point plateau, finishing with 77 points. His iron man streak of consecutive games played reached 209 by the end of the 2021-22 season, which was the seventh-longest among active players at the time. He has also recorded seven points in seven career games against his original drafting team, the Vegas Golden Knights, including a goal in his 300th career game.

Honours and Awards

Nick Suzuki has earned numerous honours throughout his hockey career. In major junior, he won the William Hanley Trophy as the OHL's most sportsmanlike player three consecutive times. He also received the CHL Sportsman of the Year award and the George Parsons Trophy. His NHL accolades include being named to the All-Rookie Team and serving as the Montreal Canadiens' captain.

• CHL Sportsman of the Year (2017)
• Wayne Gretzky 99 Award (OHL Playoff MVP) (2019)
• George Parsons Trophy (Memorial Cup Most Sportsmanlike Player) (2019)
• NHL All-Rookie Team (2020)
• NHL All-Star Game (2022, 2023, 2024)
• Molson Cup (Montreal Canadiens) (2020 February, 2021 November, 2022 March, 2022 season, 2023 season, 2024 season)
• King Clancy Memorial Trophy Nominee (2024)

His OHL recognition is equally impressive, featuring three consecutive William Hanley Trophies as the league's most sportsmanlike player (2017, 2018, 2019). He was also named to the OHL First All-Rookie Team in 2016, the OHL Second All-Star Team in 2017, and the OHL Third All-Star Team in 2019. At the minor hockey level, he was the ALLIANCE Hockey Player of the Year for the 2014-15 season. These awards collectively paint a picture of a player whose excellence is matched by his integrity and respect for the game.

Questions about Nick Suzuki

How old was Nick Suzuki when he became captain of the Canadiens?

Nick Suzuki was 23 years old when he was named the 31st captain of the Montreal Canadiens on September 12, 2022. This appointment made him the youngest captain in the franchise's long and storied history, succeeding Shea Weber. The decision highlighted the organization's confidence in his leadership abilities and his role as a central figure for the team's future. Veteran players Joel Edmundson and Brendan Gallagher were named alternate captains to support him in his new role.

What teams did Nick Suzuki play for in the OHL?

Nick Suzuki played for two teams in the Ontario Hockey League. He began his major junior career with the Owen Sound Attack, who selected him 14th overall in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection. He played three full seasons with the Attack from 2015 to 2018, serving as an assistant captain and later as team captain. In January 2019, he was traded to the Guelph Storm, where he finished his final OHL season and led the team to an OHL championship and a Memorial Cup appearance.

What records did Nick Suzuki set in the 2019 OHL playoffs?

During the 2019 OHL playoffs with the Guelph Storm, Nick Suzuki set a single-season franchise record for the Storm by recording 42 points in 24 postseason games. His outstanding performance, which included 16 goals and 26 assists, was instrumental in Guelph's championship run. For his efforts, he was awarded the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as the OHL Playoff Most Valuable Player. He also helped lead a historic comeback from a 3-0 series deficit against the London Knights in the second round, contributing eight points in three consecutive wins to force a decisive Game 7.

How many NHL All-Star Games has Nick Suzuki been selected to?

As of the 2023-24 season, Nick Suzuki has been selected to the NHL All-Star Game three consecutive times. He received his first selection in 2022 as the Canadiens' representative. He was again chosen as the team's sole representative for the 2023 All-Star Game. His third consecutive selection came in 2024, further solidifying his status as one of the league's prominent young stars and a key offensive player for Montreal.

What is the Molson Cup and how many times has Suzuki won it?

The Molson Cup is an award given monthly and annually to the Montreal Canadiens player judged to have been the team's best performer, based on a points system for three-star selections. Nick Suzuki has won the award multiple times, establishing himself as the team's most valuable player in recent seasons. He has won the monthly honour several times, including in February 2020, November 2021, and March 2022. More significantly, he has been the annual recipient for three consecutive seasons, winning the Molson Cup for the 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24 campaigns.

What is Nick Suzuki's contract with the Montreal Canadiens?

Nick Suzuki signed an eight year, $63 million contract extension with the Montreal Canadiens on October 12, 2021. This contract will carry through the 2029-30 NHL season. The extension demonstrated the team's long term commitment to Suzuki as a core player. It was signed following his significant contributions during the Canadiens' run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Finals. This deal established him as a foundational piece for the franchise's future.

Sources and further reading

• Nick Suzuki (Wikipedia)
• Nick Suzuki (jccc.on.ca)
• Nick Suzuki, Team Canada, Olympic.ca (olympic.ca)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-20.