Looking ahead to the 2019 Draft: Ryan Suzuki
Nick Suzuki's younger brother is seen as one of the best playmakers of the 2019 Draft class
by Pierre-Antoine Mercier, translated by Dan Braverman @CanadiensMTL / canadiens.com
MONTREAL - With the 2019 NHL Draft approaching, here are some options which could be of interest to the Canadiens, who hold the 15th pick in the first round. Today: centerman Ryan Suzuki.
Player profile
 | Date of birth: May 28, 2001 Birthplace: London, ON, CAN Height: 6'0" Weight: 176 lbs. Shoots: Left Position: Center Midseason ranking, North American skaters: 10 Final ranking, North American skaters: 18 |
Stats
| Season | Team | League | Games played | Goals | Assists | Points | +/- |
| 2018-19 | Barrie | OHL | 65 | 25 | 50 | 75 | + 7 |
| 2017-18 | Barrie | OHL | 64 | 14 | 30 | 44 | + 15 |
Just like his brother Nick, Ryan is known for his strong hockey sense. His vision on the ice helps him stand out among the pack.
According to several experts, Ryan is less of a sharpshooter than his brother but is a better skater.
The London, ON-born centerman performed very well at the World Under-17 Hockey Championship in 2017-18, finishing first on Team Canada Red with seven points (3G, 4A) in six games.
Expert opinion
"One of the top playmaking centers available in the draft, Suzuki (6-foot, 178 pounds) possesses great hockey sense, is effective at making plays at top speed and can make good decisions under pressure." -Mike G. Morreale, NHL Central Scouting Bureau
"Scouts are high on Suzuki's creativity, passing ability, hands and on-ice vision." -Adam Kimelman, NHL Central Scouting Bureau