What Happened
The Montreal Canadiens resumed practice on Wednesday at the CN Sports Complex, marking the end of the Olympic break. All 24 players, including captain Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky, returned to the ice following their participation in the Olympic Games, where Suzuki earned a silver medal with Team Canada and Slafkovsky helped Slovakia secure a bronze.
Why It Matters
With the Olympic hockey tournament concluded, the Canadiens are refocusing on their playoff push. Their next game is scheduled against the New York Islanders. The team is also regaining key players, including Alex Newhook and Jake Evans, which could significantly impact their performance. However, the return of these players has created a roster surplus, prompting discussions about potential trades or waivers to manage the lineup effectively.
What’s Next
Head coach Martin St-Louis and general manager Kent Hughes face critical decisions regarding player management. The Canadiens may consider trading or waiving players like Joe Veleno to accommodate the return of Laine, who is known for his offensive capabilities. The team’s strategy moving forward will be crucial as they aim to maintain momentum in the playoff race.
