Discussions surrounding whether Nick Suzuki, the captain of the Montreal Canadiens, is a genuine “1C” have become a yearly ritual among NHL fans. A recent Twitter poll by JFreshHockey, featuring 6,278 participants, revealed that a substantial portion of Canadiens supporters believes Suzuki deserves this title. Notably, 34% of Canadiens fans feel confident in saying “yes,” while only 1.9% disagree. Among non-Habs fans, 37.7% support him as a bona fide No. 1 centre.
Nick Suzuki’s Stellar Performance
Statistical evidence supports Suzuki’s case as a premier centre. He has amassed 24 goals and 62 assists in just 71 games, placing him ninth in NHL scoring. This performance puts him on track to potentially exceed the 100-point milestone, noteworthy for a player of his caliber. Importantly, he leads his team in points, outscoring the next best, Cole Caufield, by a 10-point margin.
Two-Way Impact and Defensive Prowess
Suzuki’s contributions go beyond mere scoring. He is a leading candidate for the Selke Trophy, which honors the NHL’s top defensive forward. According to Hockey Stats, Suzuki ranks second in even-strength defensive Wins Above Replacement (WAR) among forwards, and he also stands prominently in the top 50 players on penalty kills. His comprehensive skill set ensures he impacts games on both ends of the ice.
Montreal Canadiens’ Success
This season, the Canadiens boast the seventh-best record in the league, accumulating 90 points in 71 games. Such success mirrors their performance from the 2016–17 season, underscoring Suzuki’s significance as a pivotal figure on the team. His ability to command the puck during power plays indicates his integral role in the team’s offensive strategy.
Comparative Ranking Among NHL Centres
As discussions turn to Suzuki’s ranking among NHL centres, it’s crucial to compare his performance with other elite players. Here is a selection of ten renowned centres:
- Aleksander Barkov
- Macklin Celebrini
- Sidney Crosby
- Leon Draisaitl
- Jack Eichel
- Jack Hughes
- Nathan MacKinnon
- Auston Matthews
- Connor McDavid
- Mark Scheifele
While this elite group represents some of the best in the NHL, Suzuki certainly deserves consideration among them. Although similar in point production to players like Mark Scheifele, Suzuki’s defensive contributions give him the edge. Additionally, while Auston Matthews excels in skill, Suzuki has shown superior performance over the last two seasons.
The Future for Nick Suzuki and the Canadiens
Overall, Suzuki is solidifying his status as a “1C,” edging closer to being recognized as a franchise centre. At 26 years old, he is entering the prime of his career, and the Montreal Canadiens are well-positioned for future Stanley Cup contention with him leading the first-line centre role.
