2026 Olympics: Nick Suzuki is relieved that the process is behind him

Félix Forget
2026 Olympics: Nick Suzuki is relieved that the process is behind him
Credit: Getty Images

Nick Suzuki, as we learned at noon today, will represent Canada at the 2026 Olympics. The Habs captain was one of 14 forwards selected by Team Canada officials, who see in him a guy who can help in any situation.

That's a nice gift to end the year with.

But above all, for Suzuki, it's a big weight off his shoulders. We know that the selection process was long, and for the players at the heart of it all, it was particularly grueling having to prove themselves on the ice game after game.

And Suzuki admitted as much: in an interview with RDS, he admitted that he's relieved that it's all behind him now.

He noted that it was stressful for him and that he tended to think about it too much.

It's interesting to note that yesterday, Suzuki possibly had his best game of the season… and this, while we learned a few hours earlier that Team Canada's directors had already made their final line-up decisions for the Olympics.

Was this enough of a relief to Suzuki to help him lead his club's wild comeback against the Panthers? Not impossible.

Suzuki notes that he tried not to let the process affect his play on the ice, but you get the sense that this is something that was really close to his heart. And when you see how much more freely he played last night, you have to wonder whether the captain won't reach another level over the next few weeks.

Yesterday, we really saw the Suzuki who carried his club on his shoulders to take them to the playoffs last spring. It may have been mere coincidence… but the timing is not insignificant.

It's safe to assume that Suzuki, who's better off getting some sleep before the birth of his first child in the spring, will sleep better over the next few weeks. And that's good news not only for him, but also for the Habs.


Overtime

– Hi, Nick!

– Kind words for Suzuki from his mother.

– Devon Toews: his participation in the 2026 Olympics should not be compromised.

– Injury in Buffalo.

– Interesting.

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