MONTREAL — Nick Suzuki is the new captain of the Montreal Canadiens.

 

Coach Martin St-Louis made the announcement Monday morning as part of the team’s annual golf tournament at the Laval-sur-le-Lac golf club.

 

“It’s a true honour for me and a privilege. This team’s headed in a great direction, and I couldn’t be more excited to be the captain and represent the team,” Suzuki told reporters.

 

“It means a lot, just to see the respect the management, teammates, (and) coaches have for me. I know it’s a big role, but I think I’m ready for it. There’s a bright future here and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

 

At 23, Suzuki becomes the youngest captain in team history.

 

He succeeds defenceman Shea Weber, who was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in June.

 

Defenceman Joel Edmundson and forward Brendan Gallagher will serve as alternate captains.

 

 

Suzuki, a first-round pick (13th overall) in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft by the Vegas Golden Knights, he was acquired by the Canadiens along with Tomas Tatar and a draft pick in exchange for Max Pacioretty in 2018.

 

Playing all 82 games last season, Suzuki led the Canadiens in scoring with 21 goals and 40 assists for 61 points. Those totals were all career highs.