The Hockey News unveiled its highly anticipated list of the Top 100 NHL players for the current season, and the Montreal Canadiens are well represented with four players making the cut. Among them is the team’s captain, Nick Suzuki, who claimed the 48th spot, a testament to his significant impact on the ice.

THN justifies Suzuki’s ranking by highlighting his role as the Canadiens’ long-awaited number one center. His remarkable chemistry with teammates Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky has been a key factor in the team’s offensive strategy. The publication also commends Suzuki for achieving five consecutive 20-goal seasons, underscoring his consistency and skill as a playmaker.

However, the ranking raises eyebrows, particularly when considering Suzuki’s performance this season. He has amassed a career-high 101 points, placing him sixth overall in league scoring—20 points ahead of Tage Thompson, who sits at 32nd with 81 points. While offensive output is just one aspect of a player’s value, many believe Suzuki deserves a higher position on the list.

Throughout the season, Suzuki has consistently faced the toughest matchups, often tasked with defending against the opposing team’s top line. Despite these challenges, he has not only excelled offensively but has also earned a nomination for the Selke Trophy, awarded to the league’s top defensive forward, with strong indications that he may win the prestigious accolade.

Since taking on the role of captain—becoming the youngest in Canadiens history—Suzuki has demonstrated remarkable leadership both on and off the ice. His contributions have been pivotal for the Canadiens during the 2025-26 season, nearly single-handedly guiding the team to the playoffs. Additionally, his selection to represent Canada at the Olympics further solidified his status, earning praise from coach Jon Cooper on the international stage.

While Suzuki’s playoff performance may not have been as prolific at even strength, he still ranks third in scoring with 16 points in 18 games. It’s worth noting that the ranking was published prior to his impressive playoff run, where he helped eliminate both the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Buffalo Sabres, further showcasing his growth as a player.

Surprisingly, Suzuki finds himself as the third-best Canadiens player on the list. Many argue that he is the glue holding the team together, and while his accomplishments have started to gain recognition from journalists outside of Montreal, he remains undervalued. With his ability to both attack and defend, Suzuki embodies the versatility that any coach dreams of having on their roster.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.

Richard Hayes is the go-to writer for all things soccer at 21Sports.com. His international perspective and in-depth knowledge of the game have made him a trusted voice in the industry. Richard’s experience covering major leagues around the world allows him to offer unique insights that resonate with both casual fans and die-hard enthusiasts. When not covering matches, Richard enjoys coaching youth soccer in his community.