Marc Dumont
When the Montreal Canadiens opted to finally turn a page by committing to a rebuild several years ago, a very underrated aspect of the multi-year plan was finding the right leader to guide the team through the most complicated project in the modern sports landscape.
After all, many franchises have decided to tear things down to the studs for a rebuild, but few have managed to stick to the plan given all the invariables involved in roster construction.
This is why September 12, 2022 may be considered one of the most important days in Canadiens franchise history. No, they did not capture their 25th Stanley Cup, nor did they beat their rivals in a playoff round, or any other traditional event that would be considered a crucial step forward.
Rather, incoming general manager Kent Hughes named Nick Suzuki as the team’s captain, making him the youngest Habs player to ever wear the ‘C’ on his chest.
Nick Suzuki Brass Tacks
The NHL named Suzuki as a finalist for the Selke Trophy on Wednesday, given annually to the forward judged to display the most skill in the defensive component of the game.
He joins fellow finalists Anthony Cirelli (Tampa Bay Lightning) and Brock Nelson (Colorado Avalanche), a situation that will guarantee a first-time winner.
In the past, Sasha Barkov (2021, 2024, 2025) and Patrice Bergeron (2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2022, 2023) have monopolized the trophy, but the latter has retired, and the former missed the entirety of the 2025-26 season, opening the door for a new best defensive forward in the NHL.
Suzuki is considered the favourite to take home the trophy, and not just because he reached the 100-point mark for the first time of his career. He managed to score 29 and 72 assists in 82 games, the fifth consecutive season in which he managed to improve his production.
You could argue that’s Suzuki’s modus operandi: consistent improvements across the board. On top of improving his scoring every year, Suzuki has shored up his defensive play, and was the centrepiece to one of the most dominant lines in the NHL in 2025-26.
While playing with Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky, Suzuki managed to control over 55 percent of the shots at 5v5. More impressively, they scored 33 goals while allowing opponents to score just 14, good for a 70% control of all goals during the regular season. Their expected goals were also great, to the tune of 56%.
Team-Wide Movement
Whether Suzuki takes home the illustrious award or not, the fact that the Montreal Canadiens are back in the discussion for the best individuals, as well as one of the best young teams in the league, is the epitome of an encouraging season.
Caufield will have an opportunity to take home the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, while first-year-player Ivan Demidov is in the running for the Calder Trophy, given to the league’s best freshman player.
And the Canadiens are still playing meaningful playoff hockey, confirming that not only has Suzuki led them through a very difficult rebuild, his leadership has also ensured the Habs are poised for more potential brilliance down the road.
After all, Montreal is a city that is overflowing with hockey landmines that can quickly distract the Canadiens locker room. Just take a look at the two closest NHL cities in Canada to get an idea of how poor management and lacklustre leadership can impact results.
The Canadiens are enjoying one of the most encouraging rebuilds in NHL history, and perhaps more importantly, one void of the usual drama, thanks to Nick Suzuki’s leadership.
In that vein, it’s fair to suggest his excellence goes well beyond his on-ice play.
All Nick Suzuki and Montreal Canadiens statistics are 5v5 unless otherwise noted, via Natural Stat Trick.
