Former Habs scout explains why Nick Suzuki belongs among the NHL's elite

Since Nick Suzuki was named captain of the Montreal Canadiens, many observers feared that he was too young and not mature enough to handle the pressure. They even went so far as to say that it would show on his performance.

Indeed, before the start of the campaign, Suzuki was even in the top 10 of the worst contracts in the NHL, as he is in the first year of an eight-year deal paying him $7.875 million per year.

Despite his 15 points, including eight goals in 12 games, some observers continue to say that Suzuki is not among the NHL's elite at the center position and that the Habs will need another great center to play in front of the captain. According to updated stats from former Habs scout Grant McCagg, that's just not true.




In fact, Suzuki is on pace for a 54-goal, 101-point season, which is tied for fourth in the entire NHL among center players. He is also at least two years younger than those ahead of him. To add to that, he is also the CH's best short-handed forward.

In short, those who believe that Nick Suzuki is not elite or that he should not be a first line center should think again, because the captain is proving them completely wrong.