Nick suzuki on Tuesday agreed to an eight-year, $ 63 million contract extension with the Montreal Canadiens. It has an average annual value of $ 7.875 million and runs throughout the 2029-30 season.

The 22-year-old center could have been a restricted free agent after this season. He scored 41 points (15 goals, 26 assists) last season and 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) in the Stanley Cup playoffs to help the Canadiens advance to the Stanley Cup Final, a loss in five games against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

“We are very happy to have Nick’s services for the next eight seasons,” said Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin.

Selected by the Vegas Golden Knights with the No. 13 pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, Suzuki was traded to Montreal by Vegas for the forward Max Pacioretty on September 10, 2018. He scored 41 points in each of his first two seasons with the Canadiens and is their No.1 center thrown to a line with the left wing Tyler toffoli and right wing Cole caufield.

“In my first interview, when I was traded, I said I wanted to prove to Marc that he was right in wanting me as part of the deal,” Suzuki said. “And I think I just tried to do it as long as I’m here. I just want to keep improving. He has a lot of confidence in me and I want to do what’s best for the team and for help this organization win.

“I love the city of Montreal. I love being a Canadian, and I look forward to doing so for the next nine years, I hope. This is huge for me and my family and we are really happy that it all worked out. ”

NHL.com columnist Dave Stubbs contributed to this story