NHL prospects Durzi, Suzuki been working together a long time for a Memorial Cup
HALIFAX — When Guelph Storm defenceman Sean Durzi found out his NHL rights had been traded in late January, he knew exactly which teammate to turn to for some advice.
“Nick Suzuki, my best buddy, he was one of the first guys I called and he kind of talked me through it,” said Durzi. “Roller-coaster of a year, for myself to go through (a trade) was all new territory for me.”
The 20-year-old Durzi was drafted 52nd overall in 2018 by the Toronto Maple Leafs, but was part of a package sent to the L.A. Kings for veteran defenceman Jake Muzzin in late January, four weeks ahead of the NHL trade deadline.
The 19-year-old Suzuki, taken 13th overall by Vegas in 2017, went through a similar situation when the Montreal Canadiens acquired him from the Golden Knights for Max Pacioretty in September 2018 while still in junior.