The Canadiens have several good options to add to their leadership group for the coming season to support captain Nick Suzuki.

In September 2022, on the morning of the Canadiens' annual golf tournament, Nick Suzuki was named the 31st captain in the franchise's history, becoming the organization's youngest player to wear the 'C' on his jersey at the age of 23.

To complement Suzuki's leadership, Brendan Gallagher and Joel Edmundson were named as alternate captains. However, due to injuries, the trio had limited opportunities to lead the squad together, with Gallagher appearing in 37 games and Edmundson in 61 games. The team's significant injury toll during the 2022-’23 season led to multiple players wearing the 'A' on a nightly basis.

After one season as NHL captain, Suzuki expressed his progression in the role. “I think I learned a lot this year and I know I can still be better in that role. It's just learning process for me, being more comfortable speaking up in the room and talking to guys and I think as I get older, I will be more used to be doing that. I haven't had that responsibility in a little bit. As the year went on, I felt better and got more comfortable.”

“[Suzuki] the way he’s able to stay even keeled as a leader with the year he had this year. It was a great year for him with the circumstances that he had to go through. I’m sure he learned. He’s still young. He will find his way and not force his way. It will happen organically. He took big steps in the right direction as a leader and I’m proud of him,” Martin St. Louis reflected on Suzuki’s leadership.

With Joel Edmundson's departure to the Washington Capitals freeing up an alternate captain slot, the organization now has the opportunity to evaluate potential candidates for both 'A's. 

Here are three potential options to join Suzuki in the Canadiens' leadership group.

Brendan Gallagher

A veteran forward who has been an alternate captain since the 2015-16 season, Gallagher's dedication to the organization and his teammates makes him a prime candidate. Though concerns exist about his health and productivity at age 31, his commitment remains unquestioned.

Mike Matheson

Joining the Canadiens from the Penguins, Matheson had a strong first season, registering 27 points in his final 32 games. With nine NHL seasons and 465 games under his belt, his experience will be invaluable, especially considering the expected presence of several young defensemen on the roster.

David Savard

During his second season with the Canadiens, Savard played 62 matches and led the team with 176 blocked shots. The 32-year-old enjoyed being a mentor for his young teammates. 

“It’s a different role that I’ve never had before. I’ve already played with young defensemen but having that many was fun,” he said at the end of the season. “My goal is to make them feel comfortable on the ice and that they can come see me at any time. It’s fun to see at what point they had confidence to come see me and talk and when they had questions they came every time.”

Kaiden Guhle, speaking about Savard's impact, said, "[Savard] has been been great all year with me and all the other young defensemen.”

“He's been a really big part of our team this year, especially when we've been struggling a little bit. He's helped us glue together and stick together as a group and he's been a great leader for us and on the ice he does his job. He obviously blocks shots defensively and he'll chip in offensively too."

The decision to choose alternate captains will be carefully considered to ensure a strong leadership group that complements the captain.