The Olympic group stage has a way of revealing stories before the medal rounds even begin. It’s where stars shine, surprises emerge, and roles get defined under the brightest lights.
For the Montreal Canadiens, four of their own suited up for their countries with very different experiences so far: Juraj Slafkovsky for Slovakia, Nick Suzuki for Canada, Alexandre Texier for France, and Oliver Kapanen for Finland. Three games in, we’ve got a clearer picture of how each player is navigating the international spotlight - and what it might mean when they return to Montreal.
Juraj Slafkovsky: Slovakia’s Powerhouse
Let’s start with the standout. Juraj Slafkovsky didn’t just show up for Slovakia - he took over.
Through three group stage games, the 6-foot-3 winger racked up six points (three goals, three assists), tying him for second in tournament scoring. But it’s not just the box score that tells the story.
It’s how - and when - he’s delivering.
Slovakia topping Group B ahead of heavyweights like Finland and Sweden? That’s one of the biggest shocks of the opening round.
And Slafkovsky is the driving force behind it. He’s playing with the kind of confidence and physicality that made him the No. 1 overall pick not too long ago.
He’s winning puck battles down low, using his frame to create space, and coming through in clutch moments. This isn’t just a player putting up numbers - it’s a player leading his country.
And that matters. Slovakia doesn’t have the depth of a Canada or a Sweden.
For them to make a serious push, they need their stars to be difference-makers. Slafkovsky is doing just that, and then some.
For Canadiens fans, this is everything you want to see: a young cornerstone stepping up on a big stage, not just as a scorer, but as a tone-setter.
Nick Suzuki: Quietly Critical for Canada
Nick Suzuki’s tournament hasn’t been about highlight reels or stat-padding - and that’s by design. One goal in three games might not scream “top-line center,” especially when you’re skating next to Nathan MacKinnon and Brandon Hagel. But Suzuki’s role in Canada’s lineup is less about flash and more about function.
Canada doesn’t need Suzuki to be the offensive engine. They’ve got elite firepower up and down the lineup.
What they do need is someone who can stabilize play, read the ice defensively, and bring structure to a team that likes to push the pace. And that’s exactly what Suzuki has done.
He’s been strong in transition, smart in the neutral zone, and dependable on the backcheck. Playing alongside MacKinnon means facing the opposition’s best, and Suzuki has held his own in those matchups. His ability to support the puck and cover defensively has allowed MacKinnon to be aggressive offensively - and that balance is key in short tournaments where one mistake can flip a game.
No, one goal isn’t ideal. But Suzuki’s value isn’t just in goals and assists.
It’s in the trust he’s earned from coaches to be on the ice in critical moments. That speaks volumes.
Alexandre Texier: Battling Through the Storm
For Alexandre Texier, this Olympic run has been a grind. Representing France - a team that entered as a clear underdog - Texier has shouldered a heavy load as the lone NHL player on the roster. And the results have been tough: three losses, all by wide margins, and a minus-8 rating in the group stage.
That number stings, but context matters. When a team is consistently overmatched, plus/minus can spiral quickly - especially for a player logging big minutes against top lines. Texier hasn’t had much support, and he’s been thrown into the fire shift after shift.
Still, there’s value here. These games are teaching moments.
Texier is getting reps against the world’s best, facing pressure, speed, and structure that expose every detail of your game. For a player still carving out his spot in the NHL, that kind of experience - even in a losing effort - matters.
It’s not about the stat sheet for Texier right now. It’s about growth. And when he returns to Montreal, he’ll bring back lessons from a tournament that tested him at every turn.
Oliver Kapanen: Learning from the Sidelines
Oliver Kapanen’s Olympic experience hasn’t gone the way he probably imagined. The 22-year-old forward has played just one of Finland’s three group games. He was a healthy scratch for the opener, then missed time due to isolation protocols after his roommate, Anton Lundell, fell ill.
It’s a tough break, especially for a young player hoping to make a mark. But even limited time in this environment can be valuable. Practicing with seasoned pros, listening in on team meetings, absorbing the pace and preparation of Olympic hockey - it’s all part of the process for a player still developing his identity at the pro level.
Finland’s roster is deep and disciplined. Cracking that lineup, even for one game, says something about how the coaching staff views Kapanen. He may not have filled the scoresheet, but just being in the mix is a step forward.
For Kapanen, this tournament is less about ice time and more about exposure. These moments - even the ones spent in a suit - help shape a young player’s trajectory.
Looking Ahead
As the Olympics roll into the knockout rounds, the stakes only get higher. For Slafkovsky, it’s a chance to keep proving he can carry a nation.
For Suzuki, it’s about continuing to be the glue in a star-studded lineup. For Texier and Kapanen, it’s about taking what they’ve learned - good, bad, and everything in between - and using it to fuel the next chapter of their careers.
For Canadiens fans, this tournament has offered a window into the growth of four players at very different stages of their journey. And if there’s one common thread, it’s this: each of them is getting better by being here.