Nick Suzuki, the respected captain of the Montreal Canadiens, is going through a season where his discipline and his playing intelligence propel him into a category all his own.
With only 4 penalty minutes in 40 matches, Suzuki is in the running for a trophy that always gets people talking in the locker room: the famous Lady Byng.
No need to mention his name to understand why he can provoke bursts of laughter in a sport where the culture still values « tough guys ».
In a National League where toughness and physical intimidation are almost trademarks, a player who stands out for his sportsmanship while producing on the ice can sometimes come across as a curiosity.
Suzuki, with his Olympian calm, his composure and his impeccable attitude, is precisely this type of player.
But beyond the teasing, there is a deep admiration for his ability to elevate his game while remaining exemplary.
Nick Suzuki is used in all sauces. At 5-on-5, on the power play, on the penalty kill, in overtime: he’s on the ice for almost everything.
With an average playing time of 19 minutes 25 seconds per game, he is one of the Canadian’s most sought-after players. And yet, despite this enormous workload, he managed to avoid unnecessary mistakes.
This discipline is all the more impressive as Suzuki is not a passive player. He is in the heart of the action, draws pucks with precision and makes quick and effective decisions.
He is the perfect example of what it means to play smart. It is this mixture of consistency, talent and discipline that places him among the serious candidates to win a trophy that the Canadian has not lifted since 1988, when Mats Näslund won it.
Of course, some might see this trophy as a reward for being ” kind “a concept that can make you smile in a sport often perceived as raw.
But in reality, this award highlights an aspect of the game that is often underestimated: the ability to play at a high level without sacrificing sportsmanship or efficiency.
Suzuki is a model of discipline, but he is also a player who performs. With 41 points in 40 games this season, he maintains consistent production reminiscent of the best centers in the league.
His contribution is not limited to points; he is a leader on and off the ice, and he shows his teammates that it is possible to have a major impact without compromising his values.
The Lady Byng may be the least glamorous trophy in the NHL, but it’s also one of the most complex to win.
Being disciplined while playing at a high level is not for everyone. Players who have won it in the past, like Nathan MacKinnon, Aleksander Barkov and Anze Kopitar, are all elite players recognized for their impact on the game.
For Suzuki, this trophy would represent much more than a symbol of his discipline. It would be recognition of his ability to dominate the game in a clean way, respecting the rules and his opponents.
In a young team seeking to establish a culture of work and respect, his example is invaluable.
In the locker room, Suzuki could be teased for his impeccable discipline. But these mockeries are far from malicious.
Rather, they reflect the affection and respect that his teammates have for him. Because beyond the jokes, everyone knows that Suzuki is the engine of this team.
He is the captain who leads by example, the player who never panics, even in the most intense moments.
His calm and self-control inspire his teammates, and that’s what makes him such a valuable leader for the Canadian.
So, yes, maybe the Lady Byng is not the most coveted trophy in a league where toughness is valued.
But if Suzuki wins it, it will be proof that hockey is not just about brute strength. It is also a sport of intelligence, finesse and discipline.
And for that, Nick Suzuki deserves all the respect. Well done, captain. Continue to lead the way.
Amen
