Nick Suzuki, as we learned this afternoon, will represent Canada at the 2026 Olympics. The Habs captain was one of 14 forwards selected by Team Canada officials, who see him as a guy who can help in any situation.
This is a nice gift to end the year.
But above all, it's a big weight off Suzuki's shoulders. We know the selection process was long and it was especially grueling for the players at the center of it all to have to prove themselves on the ice game after game.
And Suzuki admitted this: in an interview with the publication RDShe admitted that he was relieved that it was all over now.
He noted that it was stressful for him and that he tended to think about it too much.
Habs captain Nick Suzuki speaks to RDS about making Team Canada Olympic line-up:
“Julien Brisebois called me this morning. It was early and we arrived late from Florida. Last night I couldn’t sleep, so I stayed up and waited for someone to call me…” pic.twitter.com/OCTWNOrBI0
– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) December 31, 2025
It's interesting to note that Suzuki had arguably his best game of the season yesterday… despite having learned just hours earlier that Team Canada The directors have already made the final decision on the composition of the participants in the Olympic Games.
Was that enough relief for Suzuki to help him lead his club's wild comeback against the Panthers? Not impossible.
Suzuki notes that he tried not to let this process affect his play on the ice, but it feels like that's what happened Really close to his heart. And when you see how much freer he played last night, you have to wonder if the captain will reach another level in the next few weeks.
Yesterday we actually saw Suzuki carry his stick on his shoulders last spring and take it to the playoffs. Perhaps it was just a coincidence… but timing is of the essence.
It's safe to assume that Suzuki, who would benefit from some sleep before the birth of his first child in the spring, will sleep better over the next few weeks. And this is good news not only for him, but also for the Habs.
After a while
– Hello, Nick!
Team Canada Nick Suzuki
portrait pic.twitter.com/F5LBCGNt19
– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) December 31, 2025
– Kind words addressed to Suzuki from his mother.
What an achievement. I'm immensely proud of you
https://t.co/iYrzeOmr2 9
– Amanda Suzuki (@AmandaZukes) December 31, 2025
– Devon Toews: His participation in the 2026 Olympics should not be jeopardized.
Before it gets too crazy…
A team spokesman said Devon's wife is due on February 2nd. If the child is a little late, he may be late to join Canada in Milan. https://t.co/91YKW4uIsz
– Corey Masisak (@cmasisak22) December 31, 2025
– Injury in Buffalo.
Alex Lyon is returning to Buffalo to be evaluated for a lower-body injury and will miss “a little time,” according to coach Lindy Ruff.
Details → https://t.co/V2vVOEuO1b
– Buffalo Sabers (@BuffaloSabres) December 31, 2025
– Interesting.
Even for Brendan Donovan. https://t.co/kLZGUkjdfl
– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) December 31, 2025
