Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki has voiced his frustrations with the NHL’s pay structure, questioning his role as captain given his relatively low salary compared to his teammates. In a recent statement directed at NHL President Gary Bettman, Suzuki expressed his discontent over the disparity in pay, highlighting the challenges of leading a team while earning significantly less than several of his peers.
Suzuki, who took over as captain of the Canadiens in 2021, is widely regarded for his leadership on and off the ice. However, the 24-year-old forward’s contract, valued at $7.875 million per season, is well below the salary of some of his teammates, including players who have less experience or leadership responsibilities. For a team captain who shoulders the responsibility of guiding a young roster through the ups and downs of a season, Suzuki believes his compensation should reflect the weight of the role he plays.
“Being captain comes with immense pressure,” Suzuki said. “You’re expected to be the voice of the team, make the tough decisions, and carry a heavy burden. But when you’re being paid less than players who don’t have that responsibility, it raises questions about how the NHL values its leaders.”
While Suzuki is not the only captain to face a pay gap with other high-paid players, his comments shed light on a deeper issue of how salaries are structured in the league. For Suzuki, it’s not just about the money but about being recognized for the value he brings to the team, both as a player and as a leader.
As the NHL continues to evolve, Suzuki’s remarks may prompt further discussions about the role of captains and how their leadership should be compensated.