Michel Bergeron criticizes Nick Suzuki for declining the HC invitation
During the team review, we learned that Juraj Slafkovsky and Cole Caufield would be participating in the next Ice Hockey World Championship.
On his part, the captain of the CH, Nick Suzuki, decided to pass. A decision that was not at all to the liking of former NHL coach Michel Bergeron.
The one nicknamed the tiger would have liked to see number 14 accept the invitation of the Canadian team. He would have thus gained experience and scored points ahead of the upcoming national competitions such as the Four Nations Tournament or the Olympic Games.
"I heard this week that [Sidney] Crosby, if asked, would consider it. Can you imagine Crosby going to the World Championship, but Suzuki is tired? Is there something I'm not understanding here?" - Michel Bergeron
I find this situation sad, sad for Suzuki who will probably unfortunately hear about it.
Perhaps we should remind Bergie that Suzuki not only played all 82 games this season, but he has also never missed a regular season game since entering the league. Playing a full 82-game season is tough (only Caufield, Slafkovsky, Matheson, and Evans did it this year), and playing several consecutive ones is an achievement in today's NHL.
Add to this the pressure the captain faced throughout the campaign to carry the club on his shoulders, and we see that he deserves a break. It may not seem like it, but it's tremendously exhausting. It is also possible that the captain is nursing one or more injuries and prefers to heal them without disclosing them. Prioritizing his club is also a beautiful sign of respect!
In response to Bergeron, Marc Dumont agreed and noted that representing Canada at this competition was not a priority for Suzuki. He must be in full health for his club so that the 2024-2025 season starts on a good note!
According to Dumont, Suzuki's presence at the World Championship would indeed have helped increase his chances for future international competitions. But there is still a lot of hockey to play before that, and it will be Suzuki's performance in the NHL over the coming seasons that will dictate whether he deserves to represent Canada or not.
Let's also remember that Nick Suzuki just proposed to his partner, so yes, he had very good reasons!
Everyone has their opinion on the matter, but I think Nick has the right, for once, to think about himself a little!
Via TVA Sports - Championnat du monde, une mauvaise décision croit Michel Bergeron
DLC - Championnat mondial : le refus de Suzuki ne plait pas à Michel Bergeron
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AVRIL 26 | 484 ANSWERS Michel Bergeron criticizes Nick Suzuki for declining the HC invitation Are you of the same opinion as Michel Bergeron regarding Nick Suzuki's non-participation in the World Championship? | ||
| Yes | 84 | 17.4 % |
| No | 400 | 82.6 % |
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