The Montreal Canadiens have named Nick Suzuki the 31st captain in franchise history.
The Montreal Canadiens have found their man.
With training camp fast approaching, the Canadiens decided to ensure their leadership group was set for the coming season on Monday morning, as the club announced that forward Nick Suzuki has been named the 31st captain in franchise history.
Forward Brendan Gallagher and defenseman Joel Edmunson will serve as assistant captains.
Suzuki takes over the 'C' from former Habs' defenseman Shea Weber, who missed the entirety of the 2021-22 season due to injury and was ultimately traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in June, where he is not expected to play until his contract expires.
Suzuki also becomes the youngest captain in Canadiens' history at just 23 years old. The flashy centre is clearly a key fixture in the team's core after signing a massive eight-year contract extension prior to last season and currently stands as the highest-paid player on Montreal's active roster with Carey Price on injured reserve, with Suzuki set to make $7.875 million until 2029-30.
Despite the Canadiens' struggles last season, Suzuki continued the upward trajectory he's ridden throughout his time in the NHL. Suiting up in all 82 games, Suzuki finished the year with 21 goals and 40 assists for 61 points, all while logging upwards of 20 minutes in average nightly ice time and contending against the best his opponents had to offer.
With a revamped front office, an improved roster, and a renewed sense of harmony within the organization, the Canadiens are riding high entering the 2022-23 season and clearly felt comfortable making one of their brightest young stars the face of their new era of success moving forward.