Why Is Nick Suzuki the Canadiens' Perfect Cornerstone in a Rebuild
When a team is rebuilding, finding a player you can genuinely build around is rare. For the Montreal Canadiens, that player is Nick Suzuki. At 26, Suzuki is quietly putting together a season that’s proving just how reliable he can be—and he might be exactly what Montreal needs to anchor the next phase of their rebuild.
Suzuki Leads the Canadiens in Points and Leadership.
Through 51 games, Suzuki leads the Canadiens with 57 points—16 goals, 41 assists—and 27 power-play points, tied for third in the NHL. He’s been incredibly steady all season, with no stretch longer than two games without a point, and at least one point in 39 games—second only to Connor McDavid. Lately, he’s been rolling: seven points over a four-game streak and four multipoint outings in six games. When the spotlight is on, particularly against rivals like Boston, he shows up, with 15 points in 13 career games against the Bruins.
It’s not just the numbers that matter. Suzuki drives play and creates chances in ways that go beyond the box score. NHL EDGE stats show he’s strong in midrange shots and bursts of speed over 20 mph. He’s consistently making plays happen. He’s the type of player who can handle power-play duties, move the puck cleanly, and create space for teammates without needing constant attention. That kind of reliability is rare, and it’s exactly what a rebuilding team needs.
Suzuki Brings a Mix of Youth and Poise to the Canadiens.
From a team-building standpoint, Suzuki has the mix of youth and poise that makes him a natural leader. He’s still young enough to grow with the Canadiens’ rising core. But he’s also experienced enough to carry responsibility. He sets a standard for effort and consistency that other players can follow, which makes the whole roster steadier.
Trade talk may swirl in any rebuild, but Suzuki isn’t the type of player you take lightly. He can carry a team, and he’s not only putting up points—he’s establishing stability and identity. For Montreal, keeping him isn’t just about offence—it’s about having a steady heartbeat for a team in transition. In a league where stars come and go, Nick Suzuki is the kind of player you can truly rely on to guide a rebuild.