Career Timeline of Nick Suzuki: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Nick Suzuki built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Nicholas 'Nick' Suzuki is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre, currently serving as the captain of the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL. Drafted 13th overall in 2017 by the Vegas Golden Knights, Suzuki is recognized for his skillful playmaking abilities, earning him the moniker "Slick Nick." He is a key player for the Canadiens.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1996: Suzuki becomes third-fastest Canadien to record 100 points since 1996

On December 7, 2021, Suzuki collected his 100th career NHL point. With this, he became the third-fastest of any Canadien since 1996 to reach 100 points, doing so in 154 games.

2007: First franchise player since Alex Kovalev with such an offensive output

On April 3, 2025, Nick Suzuki reached the 80-point mark to become the first franchise player since Alex Kovalev in 2007–08 with such an offensive output.

2014: ALLIANCE Hockey Player of the Year

In 2014, after leading the league with 34 goals and 68 points in 31 games, Suzuki was named the ALLIANCE Hockey Player of the Year for the 2014–15 season.

2015: Selected by the Owen Sound Attack

In 2015, Suzuki was selected in the first round (14th overall) of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) priority selection draft by the Owen Sound Attack and signed with the team that June.

2016: Suzuki named to Canadian national under-18 team roster for 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup

In 2016, Nick Suzuki was named to the Canadian national under-18 team roster for the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup. He collected one goal and three points in four games played, and Canada finished the tournament in fifth place.

June 2017: Drafted by Vegas Golden Knights

In June 2017, the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League (NHL) selected Suzuki in the first round, 13th overall, of that year's NHL entry draft, and signed him to an entry-level contract the following month.

2017: Drafted by the Vegas Golden Knights

In 2017, Nick Suzuki was selected in the first round, 13th overall, by the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL entry draft.

2017: Reassigned to Owen Sound and named assistant captain

In 2017, after attending the Golden Knights' training camp, Suzuki was reassigned to Owen Sound on September 22. Upon his return, he was named an assistant captain for the Attack.

September 10, 2018: Traded to the Montreal Canadiens

On September 10, 2018, the Golden Knights traded Suzuki, as well as Tomáš Tatar and a second-round pick in the 2019 NHL entry draft, to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for veteran forward Max Pacioretty.

2018: Playoffs with Owen Sound and Chicago Wolves

In 2018, Owen Sound began the OHL playoffs with a first-round sweep of the London Knights, and Suzuki was assigned to the Chicago Wolves for the Calder Cup playoffs.

January 9, 2019: Traded to the Guelph Storm

On January 9, 2019, Suzuki was part of another trade that sent himself, Zachary Roberts, and Sean Durzi to the Guelph Storm in exchange for forwards Zachary Pointer and Barret Kirwin, defenceman Mark Woolley, and picks in the next four OHL priority selection drafts.

October 3, 2019: NHL Debut

On October 3, 2019, Nick Suzuki made his NHL debut with the Montreal Canadiens in a 4–3 shootout loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.

2019: Kirby Dach Acquired by the Canadiens

In 2019, Kirby Dach, whom had held the initial expectation that he would play centre, was acquired by the Canadiens in the offseason and eventually played on the first line with Nick Suzuki.

2019: Suzuki participates in the 2019 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships

In 2019, Nick Suzuki participated in the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He provided three assists in five games, whereas his country was eliminated following a 2–1 quarterfinal loss to Finland.

2020: Began season on top offensive line

In 2020, Suzuki began the season on the top offensive line and had an early-season point streak, but the team's centres struggled to score goals.

2020: Stanley Cup Playoffs

In 2020, Suzuki participated in the Stanley Cup playoffs with the Canadiens, scored his first postseason goal, and was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team.

October 12, 2021: Suzuki signs eight-year extension with Canadiens

On October 12, 2021, Nick Suzuki signed an eight-year, $63 million contract extension with the Montreal Canadiens, which would last through the 2029–30 NHL season.

2021: Stanley Cup Playoffs

In 2021, Suzuki and the Canadiens faced the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, with Suzuki scoring the overtime winner in Game 5. They eventually lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Stanley Cup Finals.

September 12, 2022: Suzuki named captain of the Canadiens

On September 12, 2022, prior to the 2022–23 season, Nick Suzuki was named captain of the Canadiens, becoming the 31st overall for the franchise and, at 23 years old, the youngest in team history.

2022: Juraj Slafkovský drafted

In 2022, Juraj Slafkovský, was drafted and gradually established himself as a regular presence alongside Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.

2022: Suzuki Named Canadiens' Molson Cup Recipient and representative at the NHL All-Star Game

In 2022, Nick Suzuki was named Montreal's representative for the 2022 NHL All-Star Game in Las Vegas. At the end of the season, he was also named as the Canadiens' Molson Cup recipient after setting career highs with 21 goals and 61 points.

2023: Suzuki Begins 2023-24 Season

Nick Suzuki began the 2023-24 season with the Montreal Canadiens.

November 11, 2024: Suzuki registers 300th career NHL point

On November 11, 2024, Nick Suzuki registered his 300th career NHL point in a 7–5 win over the Buffalo Sabres.

2024: Suzuki reaches milestones and receives honors in 2024

In early 2024, Nick Suzuki was selected to represent the Canadiens at the All-Star Game for the third consecutive year. He was also named the NHL's third star for the week of February 5–11. On March 5, 2024, Suzuki scored his 100th career NHL goal. He hit the 30-goal threshold on March 28, 2024. On April 2, 2024, Suzuki would reach the 70-point mark for the first time in his career.