Nick Suzuki, the second-best captain in the entire NHL

Now it's time for the Olympic break. Unlike last year at this time with the 4 Nations tournament, the Canadiens players have left for vacation with a light heart. Some are in Los Cabos, others in Florida… in short, many have left Quebec to enjoy some sun and warmth.

It should be noted that very few habs players are parents of young children of school age. This makes it easier to travel during the school year.

But four guys won't be on vacation in the coming days: Nick Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovsky, Alexandre Texier, and Olivier Kapanen. They will each represent their countries at the Olympic Games in Milan.

Nick Suzuki still has plenty to be happy about as he leaves Montreal.

In his last 82 regular-season games, the habs captain has scored 33 goals and 67 assists for a grand total of 100 points. He also has a +40 differential during this (long) streak. Only five NHL players have more points than Suzuki since February 25: Nikita Kucherov, Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, David Pastrnak, and Macklin Celebrini. That's pretty impressive.

It should be noted that Lane Hutson produced at a rate of one point per game during the same streak, and only Evan Bouchard and Cale Makar did better than him in that regard.

Incidentally, there is only one other captain in the entire NHL who has earned more points than Suzuki since February 25, 2025: Connor McDavid. We're not talking about a celery stalk here…

Suzuki is also the second-highest scoring captain in 2025-26, again behind Connor McDavid (and 12th overall among all NHL players).

All that for less than $8 million per season! #Bargain

With Brayden Point and Anthony Cirelli out, Nick Suzuki should be given significant responsibilities in Milan. Wing on the top nine? Center on the fourth line? Penalty kill specialist? We'll see…

But Suzuki isn't going to the Olympics to watch the Canadian team, as Samuel Montembeault did last year at the 4 Nations: he's going there to play an important role.

Oh, did I mention that he's also the favorite among many experts to win the Selke Trophy?

It took a while, but the Canadiens have found their first center. A first center who also proudly wears the “C” on his jersey.

Thanks again, Marc, for the Pacioretty trade.