Nick Suzuki and Mike Matheson have been confirmed as official reserve players for Team Canada in the upcoming 4 Nations Tournament. While Samuel Montembeault is the only Montreal Canadiens player currently on the roster, injuries to other players could open the door for Suzuki and Matheson to join the action. The tournament is set to begin mid-February and will feature elite talent from across the globe.
Suzuki and Matheson: The latest additions to Team Canada’s reserve list
During Saturday’s game between the Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs, TVA Sports journalist Renaud Lavoie revealed that Nick Suzuki and Mike Matheson have been added to Team Canada’s reserve list. While Suzuki’s inclusion comes as no surprise, Matheson’s selection raised a few eyebrows given the depth of talent available.
Suzuki, 25, is enjoying another stellar season with the Canadiens, boasting 45 points in 44 games, including 13 goals. Known for his two-way play and his ability to thrive in high-pressure situations, the forward has proven to be a critical asset for his team. However, his omission from the initial roster highlights the incredible competition for spots on Team Canada.
Matheson, 30, has also been quietly effective this season. Despite taking a lesser role on the Canadiens’ power play, the defenseman has racked up 22 points in 42 games. While not matching his career-high 62 points from last season, he remains a solid option on the blue line, particularly if injuries impact Canada’s defensive corps.
Team Canada’s roster: A star-studded lineup
The main Team Canada lineup already boasts an impressive array of talent. Here’s a breakdown of the current roster:
Goaltenders:
- Jordan Binnington (St. Louis Blues)
- Adin Hill (Vegas Golden Knights)
- Samuel Montembeault (Montreal Canadiens)
Defensemen:
- Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche)
- Shea Theodore (Vegas Golden Knights)
- Alex Pietrangelo (Vegas Golden Knights)
- Josh Morrissey (Winnipeg Jets)
- Travis Sanheim (Philadelphia Flyers)
- Devon Toews (Colorado Avalanche)
- Colton Parayko (St. Louis Blues)
Forwards:
- Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers)
- Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche)
- Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins)
- Brayden Point (Tampa Bay Lightning)
- Brad Marchand (Boston Bruins)
- Anthony Cirelli (Tampa Bay Lightning)
- Brandon Hagel (Tampa Bay Lightning)
- Sam Reinhart (Florida Panthers)
- Sam Bennett (Florida Panthers)
- Mitch Marner (Toronto Maple Leafs)
- Mark Stone (Vegas Golden Knights)
- Travis Konecny (Philadelphia Flyers)
- Seth Jarvis (Carolina Hurricanes)
With such a deep and talented roster, injuries would be the only pathway for reserves like Suzuki and Matheson to step into the lineup. However, their inclusion as alternates speaks volumes about their performance and reputation within the hockey community.
What this means for the Canadiens and beyond
For the Montreal Canadiens, having three players—Montembeault, Suzuki, and Matheson—associated with Team Canada underscores the growing quality and depth of talent within the organization. It also places a spotlight on Suzuki and Matheson, potentially increasing their value and visibility across the NHL.
For Team Canada, having skilled reserves like Suzuki and Matheson offers additional flexibility and security. Suzuki’s ability to contribute offensively and defensively makes him a versatile option, while Matheson’s skating and offensive instincts could be an asset on the blue line if needed.
The 4 Nations Tournament, set to be hosted at the Bell Centre in Montreal and the TD Garden in Boston , will bring together top players from Canada, the United States, Finland, and Sweden. Scheduled to begin on February 12, the event promises high-intensity matchups between hockey’s elite. For fans in Montreal, seeing players like Samuel Montembeault potentially play in front of a home crowd adds an extra layer of excitement.
Key takeaways and what’s next
As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on the health and availability of the main roster players for Team Canada. Any injuries could create an opportunity for Suzuki and Matheson to showcase their skills on an international stage against the best in the world. For now, their inclusion on the reserve list is a testament to their strong seasons and growing recognition within the NHL.
Fans can expect updates as the tournament draws closer, especially as Team Canada finalizes its lineup. With the Canadiens’ Suzuki and Matheson waiting in the wings, the stage is set for an exciting showcase of hockey talent in February.
Stay tuned for further developments as the 4 Nations Tournament prepares to kick off in just a few weeks.
