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Player vitals
Name: Nicholas (Nick) Suzuki
Position: Center
Date of birth: August 10, 1999
Birthplace: London, Ontario
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 185 lbs
NHL comparable: Derek Stepan
Rankings
ISS Hockey: 17
McKeen’s Hockey: 28
Future Considerations: 19
NHL CSS: 10 (North American skaters)
Player Analysis
Nick Suzuki is criminally underrated in this class of prospects for what he’s done this past season with the Owen Sound Attack. Not only did he have brilliant production in the regular season, notching 96 points (45-51—96) in 65 games, he enjoyed a dominant playoff performance, carrying his team to the conference finals against the now-OHL Champions and heavily-favored Erie Otters.
Suzuki is a great passer — which has added great dynamic to team he’s skated with. He sees the ice well and can thread the puck like a needle to get it into the right spot, creating scoring chances. His game includes a bit of ‘sandpaper’ as he’s not afraid to get physical and lay the body on an opponent. Owen Sound utilizes him in all situations, which is a huge plus as it speaks to how reliable of a player he can be — even at a very young age.
Since I know it’s always a concern for at least half of Red Wings fans — he’s not the biggest guy on the board, but I don’t find his five-foot-eleven, 185-pound frame a concern. He’ll likely grow another inch or two, and put on 10-15 pounds of muscle with access to an NHL team’s training and nutrition guidance.
On the flip side of things, Suzuki will need to work on his skating. It’s not bad, don’t get me wrong, you’d just like to see more top-end speed in a guy with his abilities.
Highlights
Video credit: Seer Video
Tough call here. I think Nick Suzuki is a highly underrated prospect. I question why he isn’t ranked higher with most draft models, but depending on who is available at 9th overall, he could be a bit off the map for most people’s liking. I see Suzuki’s ceiling as a talented, dynamic two-way playmaker.
I see him going in the picks 12-20 range, which could open up the option of trading down. For me, I’d be comfortable with him at 9. His stock has risen due to his brilliant play. I think you’re looking at a real sleeper pick in Nick Suzuki. Tremendous talent with vision you just can’t teach.