Photo credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images
It’s devastating news for one of Canada’s top forwards, but it could be a game-changer for the captain of the Montreal Canadiens.
The worst-case scenario has been confirmed for Brayden Point: the injury he suffered last week will officially prevent him from taking part in the Olympic Games.
Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois confirmed to insider Pierre LeBrun that the player is crushed by the turn of events.
To replace him in the Canadian lineup, young forward Seth Jarvis received the call.
However, the impact of this change could be felt directly in how Nick Suzuki is used in Milan.
Let’s be honest, Brayden Point was expected to play a crucial role at center, thanks to his strong 200-foot game and offensive production.
That exact mandate now risks landing on the shoulders of the Canadiens’ number 14.
With Point sidelined, and Anthony Cirelli also out (replaced by Sam Bennett), Canada loses two of its best defensive centers.
A golden opportunity for the Montreal Canadiens captain, Nick Suzuki
Nick Suzuki has the ideal profile to fill this sudden void.
“Seth Jarvis added to the Canadian Olympic squad, but Nick Suzuki feels like the most suitable replacement for what Brayden Point could bring. I think the door just opened for the Canadiens’ captain to fill a bigger role than he might’ve initially been designated.
That said, feel bad for Point and Anthony Cirelli. Terrible to have lifelong dreams dissolve on the precipice of them coming true.”
-Eric Engels
He may not end up on the top line, but his responsibilities on the penalty kill and in defensive assignments have likely just skyrocketed (along with his expected ice time).
It’s fair to say there is now a realistic scenario where Suzuki even earns power-play time, a spot that seemed out of reach just a few days ago.
The Canadiens center’s reliability is becoming a rare and valuable commodity for Team Canada’s coaching staff.
The tournament is fast approaching: Canada will hit the ice in exactly one week, on Thursday, February 12 at 10:40 a.m., to face Czechia.
It’s a depth test for the Canadian roster, but a golden opportunity for Suzuki to prove his value on the biggest international stage.
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