“Habs Quartet Achieves Olympic Dreams”

Montreal’s Nick Suzuki recently achieved a significant milestone by securing a spot on Team Canada for the upcoming Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. This announcement followed a dramatic night that included a comeback victory for the Canadiens in Florida.

Expectations and Emotions

The evening before the announcement was filled with anticipation for Suzuki. He had arrived at his hotel in Raleigh just past midnight, where the serene North Carolina environment offered little comfort for sleep. “I didn’t really sleep that much,” he remarked. He understood that by morning, he could receive a life-changing phone call regarding his Olympic selection.

A Dream Come True

The call came early, around 8:00 a.m., from Tampa Bay. “I saw a Tampa Bay phone number calling me, so I had a good feeling,” Suzuki recalled. The voice on the line was Julien BriseBois, who confirmed his inclusion in the Olympic team. The overwhelming emotions he felt were evident as he expressed his pride and happiness.

Later that day, Hockey Canada officially announced his selection, causing teammates to gather and celebrate this remarkable achievement. “It means a lot,” Suzuki stated. “There are so many great athletes in Canada, and to experience the Olympics as an athlete will be something truly rare.” His excitement for the upcoming Games in Italy was palpable.

Performance and Impact

Suzuki, a 26-year-old from London, Ontario, previously missed out on Canada’s roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off. However, he made a strong case for his selection this year, recording 44 points in 39 games at the time of the announcement and currently boasting 65 points in 57 games. He concluded the 2025 calendar year with 97 points, ranking third among Canadian NHL players, just behind stars Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid.

Versatile Role on the Team

While Suzuki’s stats are impressive, his value extends beyond scoring. He is a strong candidate for the Selke Trophy and recognized as one of the NHL’s most reliable two-way centers. His skills in penalty killing, tough defensive matchups, and enabling offensive stars to thrive have solidified his importance to the team.

• Position: Center
• Current Points: 65 in 57 games
• 2025 Year-End Points: 97 (3rd among Canadian players)
• Notable Peers: Nathan MacKinnon (121 points), Connor McDavid (115 points)

Suzuki embraces his role, stating, “I just want to be me. I can impact the game in many different ways.” As he prepares for the Olympics, his determination to contribute to Team Canada remains clear.