An Open Letter from Nick Suzuki to Connor Bedard, Fans, and the Entire Montreal Canadiens Community
Dear Connor, Fans, and the Montreal Canadiens Community,
First of all, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the passion, the energy, and the relentless commitment of the Montreal Canadiens fans. Being part of this organization is something that fills me with immense pride every day. The rich history, the legacy of champions, and the unwavering support from this incredible fanbase is what makes playing in Montreal so special. As we look ahead to a bright future, I would like to share a few thoughts with all of you, especially with a young and talented player who will play a pivotal role in the evolution of this franchise.
Connor, I have to say, it’s been amazing watching you grow into the player you are today. You’ve been doing incredible things on the ice, and I have no doubt that you will continue to elevate your game and inspire countless people, especially young hockey players dreaming of one day playing in the NHL. The talent, vision, and drive you possess are rare, and I believe your journey will be nothing short of extraordinary. It’s not just the fans in Montreal who are watching your development closely, but hockey lovers everywhere who recognize the uniqueness of your potential.
The thing that stands out to me about you, Connor, is your unwavering confidence in your abilities, your work ethic, and your leadership qualities. That’s something I relate to personally, as I’ve had to develop my own leadership style since being named captain of the Canadiens. We both know that with the honor of playing for this historic organization comes tremendous responsibility. The expectation from the fans, the legacy of this team, and the constant spotlight can sometimes feel overwhelming. But I can tell you from my experience that if you keep putting in the work, maintaining humility, and staying grounded, you will continue to take those strides forward and help this team achieve greatness.
Montreal has always been a city that expects its players to show up with heart, grit, and a commitment to the team. The passion you see in the stands, the chants, the cheers, and even the critiques are all a reflection of a community that wants success as much as we do. It’s a special feeling, knowing that every move you make is watched and that you’re playing for a fanbase that lives and breathes hockey. It pushes you to be better, not just for yourself, but for all of them.
To the fans of Montreal, I want to express my gratitude for everything you’ve done to make this team feel like home. Whether you’re in the Bell Centre or supporting us from your living rooms, we feel the love and the energy you bring every game. The expectations are always high, and sometimes the road is tough, but we wouldn’t want it any other way. The history of this organization is built on perseverance, on bouncing back from adversity, and on always striving for the highest level of excellence. I promise you, we’re all in this together.
To the members of the Canadiens organization, to the coaches, staff, and everyone who supports us behind the scenes, thank you for your tireless dedication. Every player, from the rookies to the veterans, knows that they are surrounded by the best people in the business. As a team, we’re constantly evolving, and that evolution starts with the commitment to one another, the trust we have in the systems we build, and the culture we continue to cultivate. This is a group of people I’m proud to be a part of, and I believe we are moving in the right direction.
As for the future, I am more optimistic than ever. With the addition of young stars like Connor, the building blocks of this team are becoming stronger every day. We’ve got an amazing group of players who share a collective vision and a mutual respect for one another. Together, we’ll take the necessary steps to bring the Cup back to Montreal. There’s no greater city in the world for hockey, and we are fully committed to continuing the rich tradition of success.
To Connor, keep pushing the boundaries of your game. Your potential is limitless, and as your journey continues, you’ll continue to grow as both a player and a person. To the fans, your passion and support inspire us daily, and we are thankful for every moment you spend with us. And to everyone within the Canadiens community, we are building something special, and I am grateful to be part of it.
Thank you for being with us every step of the way. Let’s continue to work hard, stay focused, and never lose sight of our goals.
Sincerely,
Nick Suzuki
Captain, Montreal Canadiens
