Remembering the Nick Suzuki trade between the Vegas Golden Knights and Canadiens

Sometimes, a team needs a game-breaking player to push them over the top. When they have a solid group that falls short of the ultimate goal, you search for the one superstar who will change the team's trajectory. Eventually, the Vegas Golden Knights got such a star in Jack Eichel, who turned into a clutch playoff performer.

However, he wasn't the first attempt at such a move. The Golden Knights traded then-prospect Nick Suzuki, Tomas Tatar, and a 2019 second-round NHL Draft pick to the Montreal Canadiens. The target acquisition? Max Pacioretty, who posted four straight seasons of 30+ goals between 2013-14 and 2016-17.

At the time, it made sense. The winger had a terrific shot that went with his incredible speed, making him a threat. Plus, Pacioretty did whatever it took to score a goal, whether it was tip-in's or shots from the point. This was supposed to be the move that sent the franchise to the top, finishing the story told from a year prior.

He actually did well with Vegas, scoring 97 goals and 97 assists in four seasons. But they didn't win a Stanley Cup during his stay, let alone make the Stanley Cup Final. Therefore, he was sent to the Carolina Hurricanes with Dylan Coghlan for future considerations. That led to the newest Hurricane accusing the Golden Knights of not having accountability regarding losing. Also, I wonder what happened to that "future considerations" fellow?

Anyways, let's look at the other side with Suzuki and see how it impacted Vegas in the long term. Did it help them build a formidable team moving forward? Or was the trade a short-term move that led to a shortage of viable wingers and centers (at least, on paper)? Let's dive into the trade and the basics.

A breakdown of Nick Suzuki and his current career with the Canadiens

Overall, Nick Suzuki has done well in his Canadian home, serving as a focal point of a young team. He's scored 108 career goals and 178 career assists in five seasons, where he's evolved into a brilliant playmaker. That included a breakout campaign in 2023-24 when he scored 33 goals and 44 assists. Suzuki might not be the biggest player on the ice. However, that doesn't stop him from leading a Canadiens offense ready to take the next step.

Before he was traded to Montreal, Suzuki was drafted by the Vegas Golden Knights with the 13th overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft. The center spent his amateur career being the de facto leader for the Owen Sound Attack, scoring 129 goals and 150 assists in four seasons with the club. He also won the William Hanley Trophy three times in the OHL, cementing himself as the most sportsmanlike player in the league.

There have been other honors during his amateur career, including a Second All-Star Team (2017) and Third All-Star Team (2019). That made him an appealing first-round pick that the Golden Knights couldn't pass up. The team would develop him into a key member of the offense, where he would serve as a solid two-way center. Of course, that wasn't the case when they went to the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season and needed that big piece to get them over the top.