Habs at the Olympics: Suzuki Leads the Way, But Some Notable Snubs Still Sting
The Montreal Canadiens head into the Olympic break riding some momentum, but there’s a bit of a cloud hanging over the celebration. Two of the team’s brightest young stars-Cole Caufield and Lane Hutson-didn’t make the cut for Team USA, and that’s left more than a few fans scratching their heads. Both have shown flashes of brilliance this season, and their absence from the American roster is tough to ignore.
Still, the Canadiens will be well-represented on the international stage, even if none of their Olympians are suiting up for the red, white, and blue. Four Habs players are heading to Italy to represent their countries, and each brings a unique storyline into the Games. Here's a breakdown of who’s playing, when to watch, and why each player matters-both to their national team and to the Canadiens’ future.
Nick Suzuki - Team Canada
Games:
- Feb. 12 vs.
Czechia - 10:40 a.m. ET
- Feb. 13 vs. Switzerland - 3:10 p.m.
ET
- Feb. 15 vs.
France - 10:40 a.m. ET
Let’s start with the captain. Nick Suzuki is having another standout season, and it’s no surprise he earned a spot on Team Canada’s full Olympic roster.
He’s taken his offensive game to new heights, flirting with the 100-point mark and building on last year’s point-per-game pace. But it’s not just the scoring-Suzuki continues to be one of the most reliable 200-foot players in the league, a trait that makes him invaluable in tournament play.
Canada is expected to be a force in Group A, and Suzuki’s versatility will be a key piece of their puzzle. Whether he’s anchoring a top-six line or playing a shutdown role, you can bet he’ll have a major impact. And for Canadiens fans, watching their captain shine on the Olympic stage is a chance to see just how far he’s come-and how high his ceiling still is.
Juraj Slafkovský - Team Slovakia
Games:
- Feb. 11 vs.
Finland - 10:40 a.m. ET
- Feb. 13 vs. Italy - 6:10 a.m.
ET
- Feb. 14 vs.
Sweden - 6:10 a.m. ET
Juraj Slafkovský has been on a tear this season, and he heads into the Olympics as Slovakia’s headliner. The 2022 first-overall pick already has a career-high 21 goals, and he’s showing the kind of consistent scoring that Canadiens fans have been waiting for. He’s not just a promising prospect anymore-he’s turning into a legitimate offensive weapon.
Slafkovský was named MVP of the 2022 Olympic tournament, and while expectations are high, he’s more than capable of delivering. Slovakia isn’t packed with NHL talent-just seven NHLers made the roster-but Slafkovský gives them a real shot at making noise in Group B. His size, skill, and confidence are all trending in the right direction, and this could be another breakout moment on the international stage.
Oliver Kapanen - Team Finland
Games:
- Feb. 11 vs.
Slovakia - 10:40 a.m. ET
- Feb. 13 vs. Sweden - 6:10 a.m.
ET
- Feb. 14 vs.
Italy - 10:40 a.m. ET
Oliver Kapanen has quietly become one of the most intriguing rookies in the league. He’s tied for the NHL rookie lead with 18 goals, and while some of that production comes from playing alongside Slafkovský and Ivan Demidov, Kapanen has held his own. He’s shown good instincts, a quick release, and the kind of hockey IQ that makes him a natural fit in the Canadiens’ lineup.
With Finland, the defending Olympic champs, Kapanen may not get top-line minutes-but don’t be surprised if he finds a way to contribute. The Finns are known for their structure and discipline, and Kapanen’s game fits that mold. He’s a player to watch not just for what he does in Italy, but for how his Olympic experience could accelerate his development back in Montreal.
Alexandre Texier - Team France
Games:
- Feb. 12 vs.
Switzerland - 6:10 a.m. ET
- Feb. 13 vs. Czechia - 10:40 a.m.
ET
- Feb. 15 vs.
Canada - 10:40 a.m. ET
Alexandre Texier is a bit of a wild card heading into the Olympics. He’s been battling a lower-body injury that kept him out of the Canadiens’ last three games, and it’s unclear how close to 100% he’ll be when France takes the ice. But if he’s healthy, he’ll be the centerpiece of a French squad that’s light on NHL experience.
Texier has had a rollercoaster season. After parting ways with the Blues, he signed with Montreal and immediately made an impact, racking up back-to-back three-point games and earning a new two-year, $5 million deal. Now, he’s looking to carry that momentum into the Games, where he’ll be the lone active NHLer on a French team that also features veterans like Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and Stephane Da Costa.
France may not be a medal favorite, but Texier has a chance to shine in a leadership role. His performance could go a long way in showing the Canadiens-and the rest of the league-that he’s more than just a depth piece.
How to Watch
In the U.S., Olympic hockey will stream live on Peacock, with rebroadcasts on NBC, USA Network, CNBC, and NBCSN. So whether you’re waking up early for a 6:10 a.m. puck drop or catching the highlights later, there’s no shortage of ways to follow the action.
For Canadiens fans, this Olympic break offers more than just a breather from the NHL grind. It’s a chance to see some of the organization’s key players-and rising stars-test themselves against the best in the world. From Suzuki’s leadership with Team Canada to Slafkovský’s scoring punch for Slovakia, there’s plenty to keep an eye on.
And while Caufield and Hutson might not be in the tournament, their time will come. For now, the spotlight belongs to the four Habs who are chasing Olympic glory.