Nick Suzuki is making the most of his Olympic moment-and if you’ve been watching him all season with the Canadiens, you’re not the least bit surprised.
The 26-year-old center is in the middle of a stellar campaign for Montreal, and he’s brought that same energy and efficiency to Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Through 57 NHL games this season, Suzuki has racked up 18 goals and 47 assists for 65 points, all while boasting a plus-25 rating. Those aren’t just good numbers-they're the kind of stats that underline how central he is to everything the Habs are trying to build.
And now, he’s carrying that momentum onto the international stage.
Suzuki made his Olympic debut in style, scoring in Canada’s 5-0 win over Team Czechia. He looked right at home in the red and white, playing with the poise and versatility that Canadiens fans have grown used to seeing night in and night out. Whether he’s quarterbacking the power play or locking things down defensively, Suzuki continues to show why he’s one of the most complete centers in the game today.
That all-around game hasn’t gone unnoticed. Patrice Bergeron-one of the most respected two-way players of his generation and a longtime leader for the Boston Bruins-had high praise for Suzuki’s impact on the international stage.
“A Swiss army knife (player) is always important in an international tournament,” Bergeron said. “He’s a leader, he brings many aspects to a team… No matter the situation, as a coach, you don’t have any stress (when he’s on the ice).”
When someone like Bergeron-who’s been the gold standard for two-way forwards for nearly two decades-gives you that kind of endorsement, it speaks volumes. And it’s not hard to see why he’s so high on Suzuki.
The Canadiens captain plays with a maturity beyond his years, reading the game with precision and elevating the players around him. He’s not flashy for the sake of being flashy-he’s efficient, reliable, and always in the right place at the right time.
That’s the kind of player you want in a short tournament like the Olympics, where every shift matters and versatility is gold. Suzuki’s ability to contribute in all situations-five-on-five, special teams, late-game scenarios-makes him a coach’s dream and a nightmare for opponents.
As Canada gears up to face Team Switzerland on Friday afternoon, all eyes will be on Suzuki once again. If his season so far-and his Olympic debut-are any indication, expect him to be right in the middle of the action, doing what he does best: leading by example, making smart plays, and proving why he's one of the most valuable players on any roster he’s part of.