Suzuki inspired to rookie success by Canadiens' rich history

Tell Nick Suzuki that he ranks on an elite list of Montreal Canadiens rookies and he'll take your word for it.

The 20-year-old center scored 41 points (13 goals, 28 assists) in 71 games, sixth among NHL rookies, when the NHL season paused on March 12 due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus. For now, he is 23rd for rookie-season points in Canadiens history, 30 behind Kjell Dahlin (1985-86) and Mats Naslund (1982-83).

Ahead of Suzuki on the list are seven Hockey Hall of Famers: Guy Lafleur (64), Chris Chelios (64), Bernie Geoffrion (54), Joe Malone (48), Guy Carbonneau (47), Guy Lapointe (44) and Jacques Lemaire (42).

"That's really cool, especially with the talent this franchise has had over all its years," Suzuki said Tuesday. "A ton of great players have played for the Habs. To be mentioned or be around those guys is really cool."

Suzuki was selected No. 13 by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL Draft and was traded to the Canadiens on Sept. 9, 2018 with forward Tomas Tatar and a second-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft pick for forward Max Pacioretty.

Growing up in London, Ontario, in the heart of Toronto Maple Leafs country, and playing four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League for Owen Sound and Guelph, he was well acquainted with the Canadiens, if not the finer points of their history.

"I've always known about the franchise," Suzuki said. "It's just a true honor to be a part of it. I wouldn't have changed my path to the NHL in any way. Getting to start my first-ever game with the Habs is such an honor. I just want to be a part of this organization and help them win. I think we have the team and the future to do that."

Suzuki made the Canadiens out of training camp this season and was a revelation, even if his production tailed off with one assist in his nine games before the pause. In recent days, coach Claude Julien and captain Shea Weber have praised him.

"I like Nick a lot," Julien told "Hockey Central" on Sportsnet. "He's such an intelligent player, he sees the play well. … You know, you talk about an intelligent player and he's one of those guys where, you tell him once and you don't have to tell him two or three times, he gets it. So, I like that about him."

Weber, also on "Hockey Central," said, "He thinks the game an unbelievable way for a 20-year-old. You know he's going to be even better just because he works at it, he wants to be better. He's got that sneaky skill that we see in practice [that] he maybe hasn't tried as much in games but maybe that will come as he gets more confident and older."

Suzuki met 11 of the Canadiens' past captains at Bell Centre on Dec. 3, the eve of the 110th anniversary of the their founding.

"Just to see all the amazing players who have been through the organization, you want to be a part of that winning history and culture," he said. "It's been a great spot, I definitely wouldn't want to start my NHL career in a different place."

Suzuki has looked up from his locker room seat and seen the face of Canadiens goalie Patrick Roy, one of 58 Hockey Hall of Famers whose portraits are displayed. It has helped him understand the impressive history of his team, the oldest franchise in the NHL and the most successful with 24 Stanley Cup championships, with miniature trophies in a case just outside the room.

If he's dazzled by the history, he's also very much in the present, having watched and observed many players on his sharp learning curve. Of particular value has been the experience of centers Nate Thompson, who was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers for a fifth-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft on Feb. 24, and Phillip Danault.

"I was looking up to them for help and wisdom, learning off them face-off-wise, the defensive zone," Suzuki said. "Both of them have sneaky offensive ability, so things like that I was trying to learn off.

"Obviously, Shea and (goalie) Carey (Price), how they handle themselves. They're such true pros, guys I got to watch a lot growing up and idolize. Getting the chance to play with them is really special, just to see what they're like off the ice. They're great guys to hang out with and learn from every day."