Canadiens’ Captain’s Development Camp Appearance is Proof of This
Montreal Canadiens’ captain Nick Suzuki’s participation at the team’s development camp illustrates that the 24-year-old is more than a proven leader, but the glue that holds the young core together.
Development camp is a big stage for many newly acquired prospects who have been a part of the Canadiens organization for a brief duration. For players such as the 21st pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, Michael Hage, this duration is less than one month. Suzuki’s appearance is not only an opportunity to practice with future teammates, but it demonstrates the commitment he has made as the definitive captain and leader on the team, and the success that the team has going forward.
With linemate and rising star Juraj Slafkovský signing an eight-year extension worth $7.6 million annually, he, alongside Suzuki and fellow linemate Cole Caufield, is poised to stay in Montreal for the foreseeable future.
The trio played on the top line for the Habs during the bulk of the 2023-24 campaign. Last season saw Suzuki selected to play in the All-Star game, with his 33 goals and 77 points through 82 games. Slafkovský had his best season in the NHL—albeit one of two professional seasons for the 20-year-old—contributing 20 goals and 50 points for the Habs. Caufield salvaged the year after a disappointing start, ending the season with 28 goals and 65 points.
The disappointing aspect for Caufield is that he is designed to be the definitive scorer on the line. For reference, Caufield scored just two more goals in 2023-24 compared to the previous season. He also played in 36 more games. With Slafkovský needing to be acclimated to first-line responsibilities, Suzuki carried the load for not just the three blossoming stars, but the entire team.
The team averaged 2.83 goals per game and a differential of -53. While hopes remain high when it comes to the upcoming season, with many pundits believing the trio will improve in 2024-25, it puts an incredible amount of pressure on those three players.
Early July is for development, however. The time to worry about regular season play should only come up during the regular season. For now, the influence Suzuki has through his actions has demonstrated the upward trajectory the Habs hope to find moving forward.
