Nick Suzuki strengthens his King Clancy case as Canadiens push for the playoffs
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Cimon Asselin
Apr 9, 2026 (2:43 PM)
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Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
Nick Suzuki is getting a serious King Clancy push as Martin St-Louis keeps leaning on his captain in key moments late in the season.
The recognition didn't come out of nowhere. Suzuki has taken on everything this year, top-line minutes, special teams, and the voice inside that room.
And right now, it lines up with results.
He's sitting at 96 points through 78 games, driving the Canadiens' top six while matching up against the other team's best every night.
That workload hasn't changed. If anything, St-Louis has doubled down on it.
Suzuki continues to anchor both the power play and late-game situations, often staying out for extended shifts when games tighten up.
That's not just trust. That's dependency.
The Canadiens are holding 102 points in the standings, right in the thick of a tight Atlantic race, and their captain is at the center of it.
Martin St-Louis keeps turning to Nick Suzuki as King Clancy buzz builds
What stands out isn't just the production. It's how Suzuki is being used.
He's the first forward over the boards on the penalty kill in pressure spots, then right back on the ice for offensive-zone draws.
That kind of deployment tells you everything about how this staff views him.
And it's been consistent on this stretch run.
Suzuki has handled the back-to-backs, the heavy travel, and the playoff-style matchups without any dip in his game.
Inside the room, that matters just as much.
You can see younger players feeding off his pace and composure, especially during tight third periods.
The King Clancy nomination angle fits that profile, leadership on and off the ice, backed by real impact.
But this isn't just about an award.
The Canadiens are pushing toward the playoffs, and Suzuki is setting the tone shift after shift.
There's no easing his minutes. No sheltering his role.
If anything, St-Louis is asking for more.
And Suzuki keeps delivering.
That's why this recognition is gaining traction right now, it matches what's happening on the ice.
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