Team Canada’s forward group is, without question, a juggernaut heading into the Olympics. When you’re rolling out a top-end lineup that includes Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, and Mitch Marner, you’re putting opposing defenses in a bind before the puck even drops. These are generational talents, and every team Canada faces will be game-planning around them.
But here’s where things get interesting: all that star power up top opens the door for someone like Nick Suzuki to step in and steal the spotlight.
At Sunday’s Team Canada practice, Suzuki was skating on a line with Brad Marchand and Nathan MacKinnon, according to Pierre LeBrun. That’s not just a footnote-it’s a signal.
Canada’s coaching staff clearly sees Suzuki as more than a depth piece. They’re giving him a real shot to make an impact, and with his skillset, he’s got all the tools to do just that.
Suzuki has quietly become one of the most reliable and well-rounded forwards in the NHL. Over the past two seasons, he’s hit the 30-goal mark each year, showing he can finish with the best of them.
This season, while his goal total is a bit down-18 through 57 games-he’s shifted gears and become more of a playmaker. With 47 assists already, he’s just 12 shy of matching the career-high 59 he posted last year.
He’s not just producing-he’s adapting, and that kind of versatility is gold in a short tournament like the Olympics.
What makes Suzuki such an intriguing piece for Team Canada isn’t just the numbers-it’s how he gets them. He’s shown he can play whatever role is needed.
If the team needs a finisher, he’s got the touch-his shooting percentage topped 17% in each of the last two seasons. But if they need someone to drive play and create space for elite linemates, Suzuki can slide into that role just as comfortably.
That kind of flexibility is rare and incredibly valuable, especially on a roster stacked with high-end talent.
And let’s talk about the opportunity here. Playing alongside MacKinnon-who’s in the conversation for best player on the planet-and a battle-tested veteran like Marchand gives Suzuki a unique platform.
MacKinnon’s speed and Marchand’s edge create space and chaos. Suzuki?
He’s the guy who can read that chaos and make something happen. Whether it’s threading a pass through traffic or finding a soft spot in the defense for a quick release, Suzuki’s hockey IQ is what sets him apart.
It’s been a few years since Suzuki last suited up for Canada internationally-his last appearance came back in 2019 at the World Juniors, where he posted three assists and a +3 rating in five games. That tournament didn’t offer a full showcase of his abilities, but this time around, the stage is bigger and the spotlight brighter. And with the way he’s developed in Montreal, he’s more than ready for the moment.
Bottom line: with all eyes on the usual superstars, Nick Suzuki has a real chance to carve out his own headline. If he clicks with MacKinnon and Marchand, don’t be surprised if we’re talking about him as one of the breakout stars of this Olympic run. He’s got the skill, the smarts, and now, the opportunity.