Canadiens captain Suzuki says he 'can get better' speaking French
Nick Suzuki learned some French growing up in southwestern Ontario.
Knowing a big responsibility was right around the corner, he went to work both dusting off and trying to improve those skills this summer.
The 23-year-old is keenly aware there's a long road ahead. Suzuki also takes no issue with Quebec politicians weighing in on his proficiency in the province's official language.
Named captain of the Montreal Canadiens on Monday, the centre's ability to speak French immediately became a topic of discussion.
With a Quebec provincial election campaign in full swing, party leaders praised the decision to give Suzuki the pressure-packed job heading into his fourth season with the rebuilding club. They all added he must be able to communicate with the Original Six franchise's fans in both French and English.
"A lot of the Quebec politicians want [players] to speak French and that's fair," the London, Ont., native said at this week's NHL/NHLPA player media tour just outside Las Vegas.
"French is more spoken in Quebec than English."
WATCH | Suzuki talks about the 'honour and privilege' of being Canadiens captain:
"We don't really use it too much and don't get to try it out that much," he added. "[Politicians] have the right to think that players should speak French.
"I feel like I know what I'm talking about a little bit when I speak. I read better than I'm able to have a conversation. I'm in a pretty good place. I can get better, too."
Notre capitaine.<br><br>That's our captain.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoHabsGo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoHabsGo</a> <a href="https://t.co/VFM89RdPSg">pic.twitter.com/VFM89RdPSg</a>
Former teammate Phillip Danault, meanwhile, has no doubt his old teammate — one he took
