NO.1 NHL Player from Montreal Canadiens Center Nicholas Suzuki joins Edmonton Oilers, My Reason for Choosing Oilers over Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs is….
NHL All-Star center Nicholas Suzuki has officially joined the Edmonton Oilers in what many are calling one of the biggest moves of the offseason. The former captain of the Montreal Canadiens, Suzuki’s decision to leave his long-time team—and turn down an opportunity with the Toronto Maple Leafs—sent shockwaves through the hockey world. But for Suzuki, this move wasn’t just about money or market size. It was about chasing greatness.
Suzuki, known for his elite two-way play, leadership, and consistent production, has been the heartbeat of the Canadiens for years. Since being named captain, he embraced the pressure, leading a young, rebuilding Montreal team with poise and maturity beyond his years. He gave everything to the city and the fans—but after several seasons of missing the playoffs or early exits, he felt it was time for a new chapter.
“My time in Montreal was special. It shaped me as a player and a person,” Suzuki said during his introductory press conference in Edmonton. “But I’ve reached a point in my career where I need to think about winning, about legacy. The Oilers give me the best chance to do that now—not later.”
The decision to choose Edmonton over Toronto was also a deliberate one. While both franchises have passionate fanbases, Suzuki admitted the hockey environment in Toronto comes with relentless scrutiny. “Toronto is a great hockey town, no doubt, but I didn’t want to be caught in the noise,” he explained. “For me, it’s about playing hockey at the highest level, staying focused, and winning. The media spotlight in Toronto can be overwhelming, especially when things aren’t going well.”
In contrast, the Oilers offer everything Suzuki was looking for: a team built to win now, a locker room full of elite talent like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and a management group committed to going all-in for a Stanley Cup. Edmonton’s back-to-back deep playoff runs proved they’re just one or two key pieces away from hoisting the Cup—and Suzuki believes he can be that missing piece.
“Joining a team with McDavid and Draisaitl—two of the best players in the world—is a dream scenario for a guy like me. I can bring my playmaking, faceoff skills, and leadership, and just help push this group over the top,” Suzuki said.
Another reason for his decision? Culture. Suzuki noted the tight-knit, competitive culture in Edmonton was a major draw. “Everyone here is dialed in. It’s not about individual stats—it’s about rings. That’s the mindset I want to be around.”
Ultimately, Suzuki’s move to the Oilers signals a shift in his career—from building something in Montreal to chasing something in Edmonton. He left behind the captaincy, the comfort, and the adoration of a loyal fanbase because he wants more. More competition. More pressure. More chances to win it all.
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