Player Discussion Nick Suzuki Part 11

[Rapala]

The original idea was that very few players the poster saw had more tools than Kovalev. When it comes to offensive tools I give the edge to l'artiste but Suzuki completely buries him when it comes to the defensive side of the game. So overall I'd take Suzki every day and twice on gameday. And I won't delve into Kovalev's inconsistent and erratic play.

I just went back and watched the highlights from our Covid cup playoff run. I'm astounded I forgot just how good Nick Suzuki was throughout.
I still don't get why people are trying to pin him down and label him when he hasn't finished his apprenticeship as a Captain and as a first line center.
There is definitely a fire burning deep inside the kid that makes him want to be the best he can be when it counts most. I'd really like to give him another couple of seasons before we make lists and comparisons.

 

[Andrei79]

The original idea was that very few players the poster saw had more tools than Kovalev. When it comes to offensive tools I give the edge to l'artiste but Suzuki completely buries him when it comes to the defensive side of the game. So overall I'd take Suzki every day and twice on gameday. And I won't delve into Kovalev's inconsistent and erratic play.

I'll add that Suzuki has in spades what Kovalev lacked to be a true elite player: hockey IQ. Kovalev's game was a lot more effort dependent because it was based on skill rather than an understanding of the game.

 

[Beer and Chips]

You are comparing apples and oranges, very different players.

 

[the valiant effort]

The cerebral assassin, the 30 goal man.

 

[Fatbiggie]

 

[red devil]

 

[Licou]

I'll add that Suzuki has in spades what Kovalev lacked to be a true elite player: hockey IQ. Kovalev's game was a lot more effort dependent because it was based on skill rather than an understanding of the game.

Kovalev's greatest weakness was never being to identify or execute the simple efficient play.

To me, that's how his lack of hockey IQ showed up the most.

If he could make solid "hockey plays" twice as often, he would have easily been a ppg + player throughout his career.

Also, when Kovalev cared / was engaged, he wasn't half bad defensively too.

 

[BehindTheTimes]

I like Suzuki but c'mon now. There's very few players I'd take over a "peak" Kovalev. He had issues obviously but his ability at peak level was not one of them.

Suzuki impacts way more areas of the ice. I’d take slick Nick without thinking twice. He will be 75-78 point player this year on this garbage team. Pretty incredible. Kovalev would have quit 40 games ago.

Just imagine. Cole Cauiflower’s upside is way higher than Suzuki, right LG?

 

[Non Player Canadiens]

dude just keeps on crushin'

 

[Mrb1p]

Might have to change the title to Elite 1C soon.

 

[JianYang]

Suzuki impacts way more areas of the ice. I’d take slick Nick without thinking twice. He will be 75-78 point player this year on this garbage team. Pretty incredible. Kovalev would have quit 40 games ago.

Just imagine. Cole Cauiflower’s upside is way higher than Suzuki, right LG?

Again, this is not what the original post was about

 

[tooji]

Nick's PPG progression

2019-2020: 0.57 (71GP)
2020-2021: 0.73 (56GP)
2021-2022: 0.74 (82GP)
2022-2023: 0.8 (82GP)
2023-2024: 0.94 (70GP so far)

What's amazing is how consistent he's been in his progression. Line goes up. Fun time to be a Suzuki fan

also shows how progress isn’t linear either.

 

[Rapala]

Our Captain is on a mission. He's +8 in his last 5 games 4 of which were against playoff teams.
He's taken his season total from -18 to -11.
2026 has him motivated there is no doubt about it.

 

[The Great Weal]

Might have to change the title to Elite 1C soon.

He's almost better than Dylan Cozens. Not quite Alex Galchenyuk if MT didn't ruin him by playing with Plekanec and Gallagher good, but still a decent player.

 

[HabbyGuy]

Our Captain is on a mission. He's +8 in his last 5 games 4 of which were against playoff teams.
He's taken his season total from -18 to -11.
2026 has him motivated there is no doubt about it.

Him and Slaf.

 

[Nicko999]

First 30 goals season by a Habs player since Gallagher's 33 goals in 2018-2019.

Also most pts by a Habs player since Domi's 72 that same season.

Those are the next 2 mark for Suzuki to pass.

 

[HuGort]

He's turning into that #1 center we been seeking for years. Near ppg. If Dach can stay health he'd had big yesr

 

[BehindTheTimes]

I’d say when this team becomes competitive and has a second line he is a 90 point player. Wait for it.

 

[Colezuki]

I’d say when this team becomes competitive and has a second line he is a 90 point player. Wait for it.

I made a $100 bet they’d make the playoffs next year I’m 50/50 on it right now

 

[Tyson]

First 30 goals season by a Habs player since Gallagher's 33 goals in 2018-2019.

Also most pts by a Habs player since Domi's 72 that same season.

Those are the next 2 mark for Suzuki to pass.

Hard to believe that Max Domi had a 28G and 72 point season the way his career has gone.

The kid has swagger

 

[BehindTheTimes]

I made a $100 bet they’d make the playoffs next year I’m 50/50 on it right now

I’d prefer to spend my money on things that have a higher probability of happening. I think you lost $100. The good news is that it is only $100.

 

[Tyson]

That Suzuki contract starting to look like a longterm bargain

 

[MTL Dirty Birdy]

You know what not getting enough praise?? I think Nick has over a PPG since the all star break. 17 goals in 27 games. pacing at 50 goals. the kid is really underrated.

My friend, come on now. Kovalev and Suzuki are exactly zero alike apart from maybe the shot.

I suspect he was simply referencing that we haven’t had true game breaking talent since kovalevv

 

[Theodore450]

S/O the delusional fans who thought and still think Caufield is better.

 

[26Mats]

IDEAL #2

I would say Malkin when the Pens were winning cups was the ideal #2.

But both are great #1's.

S/O the delusional fans who thought and still think Caufield is better.

Suzuki is having a better year this year. But Caufield could still have huge offensive years in the future.