Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki on speaking French: ‘I can get better’
Posted September 17, 2022 4:40 pm.
Nick Suzuki learned some French growing up in southwestern Ontario.
Knowing a big responsibility was right around the corner, he went to work both dusting off and trying to improve those skills this summer.
BACKGROUND: Nick Suzuki named Habs captain
The 23-year-old is keenly aware there’s a long road ahead. Suzuki also takes no issue with Quebec politicians weighing in on his proficiency in the province’s official language.
Named captain of the Montreal Canadiens on Monday, the centre’s ability to speak French immediately became a topic of discussion.
With a Quebec provincial election campaign in full swing, party leaders praised the decision to give Suzuki the pressure-packed job heading into his fourth season with the rebuilding club. They all added he must be able to communicate with the Original Six franchise’s fans in both French and English.
“A lot of the Quebec politicians want (players) to speak French and that’s fair,” the London, Ont., native said at this week’s NHL/NHLPA player media tour just outside Las Vegas.
“French is more spoken in Quebec than English.”
Suzuki said Canadiens players should all have some level of French, but living and working in largely bilingual Montreal presents some challenges.
“We don’t really use it too much and don’t get to try it out that much,” he added. “(Politicians) have the right to think that players should speak French.
“I feel like I know what I’m talking about a little bit when I speak. I read better than I’m able to have a conversation. I’m in a pretty good place. I can get better, too.”
Former teammate Phillip Danault, meanwhile, has no doubt his old teammate – one he took under his wing early on in Montreal – will succeed in the new role.
“Very proud of him. He deserves it,” the Quebec-born Danault, who signed with the Los Angeles Kings last summer following six seasons in Montreal, said of the youngest captain in Canadiens history. “He’s very serious at what he does, and I don’t think it could be a better fit than Nick.
“You could tell he already had an edge to be a big leader. I like the move from Montreal, and I respect that. He’s gonna do an awesome job.”
Suzuki was encouraged by head coach Martin St. Louis to take some time to weigh the decision of taking on the role after originally broaching the subject a few months ago.
“Being a younger guy and being a big market like Montreal, I think he just wanted me to make sure that I was ready,” Suzuki said. “I would have accepted it right away, but I just listened to him and talked to a few other people.”
One was the only captain he’s played for in the NHL.
“Shea Weber was a guy that I leaned on,” Suzuki said of the veteran defenceman, who missed last season due to a foot/ankle injury that could very well end his playing career.
The 37-year-old was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in June in a salary cap move, which helped open the door for Montreal to name the 31 captain in franchise history.
“He said I was ready,” Suzuki shared of their conversations. “Gave me a lot of confidence.”
