Nick and Ryan Suzuki Meet at Center Ice for First NHL Matchup
Nick Suzuki, Montreal's captain, and his younger brother Ryan, an Ottawa center, took part in the opening faceoff of a preseason split-squad game at Bell Centre. Their parents traveled to Montreal to witness the occasion, which both teams arranged. Nick is coming off a 101-point season and a Selke Trophy, while Ryan joined Ottawa this offseason after Carolina drafted him 28th overall in 2019 and he posted 48 points in 66 AHL games last season.
Nick Suzuki, 27, is Montreal’s captain and is coming off a 101-point season and a Selke Trophy; NHL Network ranked him 21st among the league’s top 50 players. Ryan, an Ottawa center, was Carolina’s 28th overall pick in 2019 and had played only two NHL games before signing with the Senators this offseason.
Their paths diverged: Ryan dealt with injuries and limited minutes, then recorded 13 goals and 48 points in 66 AHL games for Chicago last season. The brothers took the opening faceoff in a preseason split-squad at Bell Centre, with their parents watching and both teams arranging the moment.
For families and young athletes, this moment may illustrate that careers can unfold at different speeds, with patience and minor-league work still leading to opportunity. Hockey fans could see a humanizing sibling storyline amid preseason roster decisions, while Montreal and Ottawa supporters may follow both players’ roles. Its social impact is likely modest, but it may strengthen interest in player development and family support in sport.