Bob Hartley makes a huge comparison of Nick Suzuki, and it's extremely promising

PUBLICATION

Jeff Drouin
November 11, 2022 (9:46)

SHARE THIS STORY

Let's face it, Nick Suzuki is having quite the start to the season! If many were afraid to see him wearing the C at such a young age, he is showing, for now, that he has the makings for the role.

The young man, who is only 23 years old, remember, is not only impressing fans, but also those in the hockey world. On Thursday night, during his appearance on Martin Lemay's show on BPM Sports, former NHL coach Bob Hartley made a very big, but very flattering comparison.

"Suzuki, I'll give you a comparison. He reminds me more and more of Joe Sakic. He's not the most flamboyant, you hear him in the media, it's ok answers, it's straight answers, it's accurate answers. He's not going to leave you on a 45-minute monologue, forget it!" - Bob Hartley

Lemay then asked the former coach if this comparison of Suzuki to one of the greatest players in the history of the league is only about leadership. Hartley's answer meant everything:

"Leadership and game on ice. Excellent wrist shot. He doesn't have the wrist shot to Joe Sakic yet. But remember, Jacques Cloutier told me that Joe Sakic, in his early days with the Nordiques, was built like a match. Joe Sakic has learned to work in the National League." - Bob Hartley

As Martin Lemay mentions, this comparison, coming from someone who rubbed shoulders with and coached Sakic, has a very high value. Hartley even added some:

"He's got the body language, never excited, a little awkward smile, takes care of everyone in an orderly fashion, applies himself defensively. I'll tell you what, the more I look at him, I see my old No. 19 back in Colorado, I swear. He's quite a hockey player Nick Suzuki!" - Bob Hartley

You can listen to the clip here around the 7-minute mark.

Via BPM Sports