Nick Suzuki had an additional task during the Montreal Canadiens camp this year: that of asking the handicap of his golf teammates in order to assemble balanced quartets for a friendly tournament.
The Canadiens players took the 15 and 117 on Wednesday to go to Mont-Tremblant for the next few days.
The team will train at the Gilles Cadieux arena on Thursday and Friday, but will also take advantage of its stay in the Laurentians to build relationships. “You won’t know someone as much as if you do activities with them outside of your environment, of hockey,” mentioned head coach Martin St-Louis before the team’s departure. “It’s an opportunity for the players to get closer to each other, to have fun and to continue working. »
“It’s part of the process of building a team,” he continued.
Suzuki stressed that the decision to spend a few days outside of Montreal was the result of discussions held with Habs management during the summer. The less busy preparatory schedule than those of recent years also allowed the Canadian to organize this retreat.
The captain of the Canadian confirmed the presentation of a golf tournament. A team spokesperson also mentioned the possibility of players playing a few card games.
“We are counting on some new players,” Suzuki said. “We had four groups at the start of camp, and it was difficult to see everyone every day. Now we just have one group on the ice and we can all bond again after a long summer. It’ll be good to spend some time together out of town. It’s rare that we can do that during camp, because it’s unusual to have several days without a game, he added. The guys like to spend time together out of town. This is the best time to get to know each other. Because here, many have families and children. »
The players may be celebrating, but their coach reminded that the work will also continue on the ice. In short, retirement in Mont-Tremblant is rather an opportunity to combine business with pleasure.
“During the first three days of camp, we had intrasquad games, and it was to evaluate the players. There wasn’t much teaching, St-Louis noted. With the preparatory matches, we started to work on the concepts to have a collective game. Gradually we tried to add more. »
“Now we rely on fewer players and we can go into more detail,” continued the coach. I know we are in Mont-Tremblant to gather, but at the arena, we are going to work. »
Monahan and Lindström in the infirmary
Forward Sean Monahan and defenseman Gustav Lindström missed the Canadian’s practice on Wednesday, instead taking advantage of a day of treatment.
The Habs released the information without offering further details. However, the team indicated Monday that Lindström was dealing with an upper-body injury and that his health was being re-evaluated on a daily basis. For his part, Monahan faced the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday. He collected two assists in a 5-4 overtime victory for the Canadian. Despite everything, they accompanied their teammates to Mont-Tremblant.
Furthermore, forwards Alex Newhook (upper body) and Joel Armia (upper body) trained without restrictions at the CN Sports Complex on Wednesday morning. Christian Dvorak (knee) skated with his teammates, but wore a jersey indicating he should avoid contact. Defenseman Mike Matheson (lower body) also trained without restrictions.
The Canadian will conclude its preparatory schedule by facing the Senators on Saturday in Ottawa. He will begin his season next Wednesday, against the Maple Leafs in Toronto.