The Montreal Canadiens made major cuts to their training camp roster Saturday, but of the 14 names sent down to the AHL, it was perhaps more noteworthy for one of the names not included. Nick Suzuki remains at training camp, despite never playing a game at a higher level than the OHL. The 20-year-old appears to have a real shot at remaining with the club for opening night as he has had an impressive training camp so far.
Suzuki was brought to Montreal in the Max Pacioretty trade in September of 2018. Tomas Tatar was also included from the Vegas Golden Knights. In a preseason game against Florida Thursday night, Suzuki was named First Star, after compiling two assists and scoring a beautiful goal in the shootout, as the Habs topped the Panthers 5-4. Saturday night will bring his biggest test, as he has been slotted in on Montreal's first line along side Phillip Danault and Tatar for the game against Ottawa. If Suzuki can pull off another good performance, he may cement his spot for opening night. Especially after the news that Ryan Poehling, who looked like a lock to start the season in Montreal, is out indefinitely with a concussion.
The 14 players sent to Laval Saturday by the Habs include Morgan Adams-Moisan, Connor LaCouvee, Ryan Culkin, David Sklenicka, William Pelletier, Nikita Jevpalovs, Joe Cox, Antoine Waked, Michael Pezzetta, Alexandre Alain, Hayden Verbeek, Michael McNiven, Maxim Lamarche and Lukas Vejdemo.
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