In a surprising twist ahead of the NHL offseason, reports have emerged suggesting that the Montreal Canadiens have named their price for a potential transfer involving star forward Nick Suzuki. General Manager Kent Hughes has reportedly communicated the hiring—or more accurately, the trade—fee that would be necessary to part ways with the 25-year-old captain, amid growing interest from a “new suitor.”
While details of the interested team remain under wraps, sources close to the organization hint at a major-market franchise in the Eastern Conference ramping up efforts to secure Suzuki’s services. The Canadiens, however, are not expected to let their captain go without a significant return.
According to insider reports, GM Kent Hughes has placed a high premium on Suzuki, demanding a package that could include multiple first-round picks, a top-tier prospect, and a current NHL-caliber player. This steep asking price underlines Montreal’s valuation of Suzuki—not only as a skilled two-way center but as the emotional and strategic core of the rebuilding Canadiens roster.
Suzuki, who was named captain in 2022, has grown into his leadership role with maturity and consistency. In the 2024–25 season, he recorded 72 points (27 goals, 45 assists) and played all 82 games, further cementing his reputation as one of the league’s most reliable young forwards.
For Kent Hughes and head coach Martin St. Louis, Suzuki has been central to Montreal’s long-term plans. However, the possibility of a blockbuster trade—especially if the return accelerates the Canadiens’ rebuild—cannot be ruled out entirely.
Speculation has mounted since the early spring that several clubs, including the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers, are preparing aggressive trade offers for top-tier centers. Whether the “new suitor” rumored in this case is one of those teams remains to be seen.
For now, Canadiens fans will be watching closely as the offseason unfolds. One thing is clear: if Nick Suzuki is to leave Montreal, it will come at a monumental price—one that only a team in desperate need of elite leadership and talent can afford to pay.