Nick Suzuki is an elite center. It took a few years, but at 26, he’s a premier forward in the league. Has he reached his ceiling yet? I don’t think so. I think Montreal can get more out of him when a few of their other players, like Ivan Demidov, get another year under their belt. That might do it. The Canadiens’ future is very bright. 

After losing to the Flyers to end the season, the captain met with the media.  

“It was a pretty good hockey game overall. There were just some small plays that ended up in the back of the net.” 

He’s right, but the loss of Noah Dobson seriously put them off kilter. It’s going to take a few games to get used to it, and the playoffs are starting soon. It’s going to be something to watch.  

A 101-point season these days is a big deal. He’s a Selke Candidate. I did have him on my ballot, and now it’s time for him to go on a great playoff run.  

“I don’t think we have to tweak that much,” Suzuki added. “Plays that were out there for us just didn’t go in. Tampa has a really good PK. We gotta watch video, do some homework, and be ready to go.” 

He gets 30% d-zone starts according to InStat. He’s 50.4% on face-offs, and he gets 57% of his shots on goal. He doesn’t have to be a goal scorer. His team has that covered.  

According to NHL Edge, his max speed is 23.62; that puts him in the 96th percentile. Not bad, can he improve upon that? I doubt it. I think what he can still improve upon is getting more high-danger chances. He has had 52, which ranks him 77th. I think he can do better than that. If he does, he will reach the 110- or 120-point mark.  

I’m guessing Suzuki will have an elite playoff run, too. Last year, he had two goals in five games. The season before, he had 16 points in 22 games. I need to see a point-per-game out of him or more. This has to be the year.