The reserved leader must balance keeping teammates focused on securing a playoff spot while also supporting management’s patience with player development.
Nick Suzuki faces a significant challenge as he enters his third season as captain of the Montreal Canadiens. Management emphasized at the team’s annual golf event that expectations should remain tempered in this third year of their rebuild.
Owner Geoff Molson, hockey operations VP Jeff Gorton, and GM Kent Hughes stressed that their goal is to be “in the mix” for a playoff spot, without promising more.
However, Suzuki and his teammates have their sights set on the playoffs. The 25-year-old captain is tasked with keeping the team focused on this goal while respecting management’s emphasis on player development. Suzuki acknowledged the “in the mix” phrase, explaining that for the players, it means fighting for a playoff berth until the very end.
Reflecting on the Canadiens’ unexpected run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021, Suzuki believes that belief in each other is key to winning games. He remains optimistic, citing the team’s depth and promising young defensemen.
Captain Nick Suzuki answering questions from media at #Habs golf tournament. pic.twitter.com/Lvlbi5DYjR
— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) September 16, 2024
Suzuki has matured into his role since becoming the Canadiens’ youngest-ever captain at 23. His leadership style is more reserved, similar to that of former captain Bob Gainey, but he’s gradually becoming more vocal. Suzuki admitted that he’s still growing into the role but feels increasingly comfortable speaking up.
This season, Suzuki’s challenge will be balancing his competitive drive to make the playoffs with management’s cautious approach. He acknowledges that while management may focus on the long-term, the players are determined to win now. “It’s our job to go out there and do it,” he said, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to rise to the challenge.
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