BROSSARD – Thursday’s practice on the South Shore was missing a core member of the Canadiens’ leadership group.
Captain Nick Suzuki was absent from the on-ice session after the Club announced that the 27-year-old centerman will miss two to four weeks of action due to an upper-body injury. In nine games this season, he leads the team in points (12), is tied for first in assists (7), and ranks second in goals (5).
“I mean, obviously it sucks. He’s one of the biggest parts of this team. We can’t do anything about it. We just got to wait and fight for him, you know, just be ready for the games and be ready to play hard, so that we win games when he’s not playing and we’re in a good spot when he comes back,” said Juraj Slafkovsky following practice.
Caufield echoed a similar sentiment.
“It’s a huge loss. Nobody can really fill Suzy’s shoes. We know that as a group. Everybody has to step up,” he said.
With Suzuki out, Caufield and Slafkovsky found themselves on a line centered by Oliver Kapanen, who already has some familiarity with Slafkovsky having played with him last season.
“I think Kappy’s good on both sides of the puck. Just a smart player. He wins face-offs, does all the dirty work and I’m excited to play with him, for sure,” added the 22-year-old Slovak.
Here’s a look at the other lines and defense pairings in Brossard today:
