Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki has been one of the driving forces behind the team’s strong season, helping guide a young roster into playoff contention. With Montreal currently sitting third in the Atlantic Division, expectations are growing for a deep postseason run.
However, one Canadiens legend believes Suzuki could have been used a little differently during international play.
Yvan Cournoyer Questions Team Canada’s Use of Nick Suzuki
Suzuki is enjoying an impressive campaign with Montreal, leading the team in scoring with 75 points (21 goals, 54 assists) in 64 games. His consistent play has been a key reason the Canadiens remain in the playoff picture.
Suzuki also represented Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics, where the team ultimately fell to the United States in the gold medal game.
During the tournament, Suzuki recorded two goals while averaging around 13 minutes of ice time per game. In the gold medal matchup, his role was more limited, as he finished with just 10:31 of ice time.
That usage caught the attention of Yvan Cournoyer, a Hall of Fame winger and 10-time Stanley Cup champion who believes Suzuki deserved a bigger role. “I would have liked to see him more often on the ice,” Cournoyer said. “He’s capable of playing with the best players. He would have been even better.”
Suzuki also wasn’t deployed as Canada’s top-line center during the tournament, spending most of his time in a secondary role. Head coach Jon Cooper relied heavily on a star-studded trio of Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Macklin Celebrini, which at times left Suzuki on the bench for long stretches despite his strong two-way play.
Cournoyer Confident in Montreal’s Young Core
Cournoyer also shared his thoughts on Montreal’s decision to stand pat at the trade deadline rather than make a move that could disrupt the team’s chemistry. The choice caught many fans and analysts off guard, especially given the Canadiens’ push for a deep playoff run.
Still, the organization remains focused on developing its promising young core, which includes Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovský, and rookie standout Ivan Demidov alongside Suzuki.
ALSO READ: Hall of Famer Cuts Through the Noise After Montreal Canadiens’ Quiet Trade Deadline
“I think they’re going to have a good team for a long time,” Cournoyer said. “The players they have now, there’s a real sense of belonging. It’s pretty tight.”
He also expressed confidence in Suzuki’s leadership as the face of the franchise. “He’s going to be a good captain for a long time,” he added. For now, the Canadiens will try to keep their momentum going as they prepare to take on the San Jose Sharks on Saturday.
