Nick Suzuki headed to 2026 Olympic Games with Team Canada

It’s been no secret how badly Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki has wanted to make Team Canada’s 2026 Olympic team. After a leak two days before thanks to the Fanatics store seemed to hint at that becoming a reality, the news is now official. Nick Suzuki is headed to Italy.

"I just found out that I made Team Canada this morning," said Suzuki on a message via the Canadiens social media. "I just wanted to thank you [the fans] for all the support, boost of confidence and cheering me on. I can't wait to put on the Canadian jersey and hopefully bring home a gold medal."

Team Canada's GM Doug Armstrong said during the official team announcement confirmed his faith in Suzuki to handle the pressure. "The pressure that goes into playing in Canada is one level, the pressure that goes into playing in Montreal is another level, but the pressure of being the captain of the Montreal Canadiens is on a different level."

Armstrong continued on how Suzuki brings a lot to the table. "He's not a major penalty killer for the Canadiens this year and we've talked to their management group about that and part of it is managing his Ice time. But we know he can kill, he can play the powerplay and we know he's a 200 foot player. We wanted to provide Cooper with players that have lot's of tools."

There were certainly doubts around whether Suzuki would make the Olympic roster, especially considering his lack of participation in previous Hockey Canada teams such as the World Championships and his lack of selection during last year's "Four Nations Faceoff". Suzuki went on a tear after the snub last season and has continued his exemplary form into the 2025-2026 campaign, netting 13 goals and 31 assists for 44 points in 39 games. The announcement feels especially appropriate coming off the heels of a spectacular comeback win against the Florida Panthers the night before, including the game-tying goal late in the third period and the overtime winner.

Even back before the season started Suzuki stated in an interview with Sportsnet's Colby Armstrong "That's one goal of the season other than doing well with the team is making the Olympic team which would be pretty sweet."

Well, that's one mission accomplished for the Canadiens captain; now the work can begin on bringing home the gold for his country. This will be the first time NHL players will have such a shot since the 2014 games in Sochi, Russia. The first game of the preliminary round for Team Canada in group A kicks off on February 12th as they take on Czechia.