The Olympic break is officially over, and the Montreal Canadiens are wasting no time getting back to business. But here's where it gets exciting: the team hit the ice for a full practice in Brossard on Wednesday, marking the return of key players and the anticipation of their upcoming game. With all 24 players skating at the CN Sports Complex, the energy was palpable as the Canadiens geared up for the final stretch of the season.
Among the highlights was the return of Captain Nick Suzuki, fresh off winning a silver medal with Team Canada at Milano Cortina 2026, and Juraj Slafkovsky, whose stellar performance helped Slovakia reach the bronze-medal game. Their presence on the ice signaled a return to normalcy and a renewed focus for the team.
And this is the part most people miss: Head Coach Martin St-Louis unveiled new lines and defense pairings during practice, strategically positioning players to maximize their strengths. Here’s how the team lined up:
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But the surprises didn’t stop there. Following practice, St-Louis announced the return of forward Alex Newhook, who had been sidelined since November due to a fractured ankle. His last game was against the Dallas Stars on November 13, and his comeback adds a significant boost to the lineup.
Here’s where it gets controversial: With Newhook’s return, questions arise about how the team’s dynamics will shift. Will his presence elevate the offense, or will it take time for him to reintegrate? And what does this mean for the players who stepped up in his absence? These are the discussions fans are eager to dive into.
The Canadiens resume their season on Thursday, hosting the New York Islanders at the Bell Centre for Soirée Québécoise. It’s a game you won’t want to miss, as the team looks to make a strong post-Olympic statement. For tickets, visit https://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/310062F6866C171E?lang=en-ca&utmsource=chc-web&utmmedium=link&utmcampaign=CHCContent&utmcontent=EN-0225-Practice&artistid=805975&brand=canadiens.
Thought-provoking question for fans: How do you think Alex Newhook’s return will impact the team’s performance? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you!
