Ryan Suzuki
One of the youngest prospects in the organization and the youngest on this list, Ryan Suzuki is the epitome of a top prospect. Born into a hockey family, his older brother, Nick, has already began his NHL career with Montreal. Ryan will hope to join him there one day.
Drafted in the first round (28th overall) by the Hurricanes in the 2019 Draft, the pick was unanimously praised by onlookers, as most analysts and scouts had Suzuki projected to go somewhere in the middle of the first round. Bob McKenzie had him ranked 20th. Even more beneficially, Suzuki fills a big need at the center-ice position among Canes prospects.
After a 25-goal, 75-point season as a 17-year old with the Barrie Colts of the OHL last year, Suzuki established himself as a top prospect. Though he’s physically very raw, his fluid, agile skating ability as well as his advanced playmaking skills make him a real threat with the puck on his stick.
"“There are very few players who are as deceptive as Suzuki when he is weighing his options with the puck” said an anonymous scout."
Interestingly enough, Suzuki was teammates with Andrei Svechnikov during his lone season with Barrie, and the two have built a strong friendship. As Suzuki stated in his post-draft interview, he looks up to Svechnikov.
"“He was really happy [Carolina picked me]. He’s a true professional and I learned a lot from him. I am looking forward to continue to learn from him in the next years …. Everyone saw what [Svechnikov] did on the ice [in Barrie] but they didn’t really see all the background stuff he was doing. He was in the gym all of the time, stretching, taking care of himself, being a pro on and off the ice. That’s something I can take away from him and that’s what I did and it helped me out a lot this year.” Suzuki said."
The two are likely to re-unite as members of the Hurricanes somewhere down the road and who knows, maybe even end up as linemates. The question is when. Suzuki, who was traded from a rebuilding Barrie team to the Saginaw Spirit earlier in January, is off to a torrid start with his new team – he’s got 13 points in 8 games, playing alongside top 2020 draft prospect Cole Perfetti.
Suzuki is a ways away from the NHL game – but there’s a high chance he’ll make it one day, and be an eventual impact player. He’s got all the tools to be a middle-six offensive center and powerplay specialist. In terms of improvements, he needs to find more consistency to his game, and add strength as he’s often over-matched in the face-off circle.
By scouts, Suzuki’s playing style has been compared to Nick Backstrom and Teuvo Teravainen, and while I think it’s a stretch to think he’ll ever match their production, it’s exciting to see a prospect of his caliber in the organization. He’s likely 3-4 years away from the NHL, but is likely to be noticeable difference maker when he arrives.