For several summers, Brossard has become a seasonal gathering point for members of the Montreal Canadiens, who use local rinks to skate together and prepare ahead of training camp. This year, however, one notable regular is missing from those sessions: captain Nick Suzuki.
Captain's absence felt amid usual summer routine
Suzuki, who in past off-seasons was frequently seen around the Brossard area, has not been a regular participant in the city’s summer practices. He was observed in the region in June on a few occasions, but according to local reports and social-media sightings he has spent most of July away from Brossard — returning instead to his hometown area in London, Ontario, where he was recently seen on the ice.
The change in routine is understandable in light of recent developments in the captain’s personal life. Suzuki became a father about three months ago and his immediate family lives in Ontario; his wife’s family is also based there. For a player with new family responsibilities, choosing to spend the off-season closer to home is a predictable shift.
“He has a big season ahead of him (and he seems to know it),”
That observation, shared on social media about the captain’s plans, underscores the dual pressures of professional expectation and personal priorities that shape players’ summer choices. The Montreal market’s scrutiny can also weigh on decisions about where players spend their downtime.
What this means for Brossard’s summer practices
While Suzuki’s absence is notable, it does not mean the end of the Canadiens’ presence in the city. Other players continue to use Montreal-area facilities for training. For example, younger forward Ivan Demidov has been spending his summers in Montreal and, according to reporting, helped organise skating sessions in the city this summer.
- Nick Suzuki — spending most of the summer in London, Ontario (hometown and family).
- Ivan Demidov — summer training in Montreal and organising local sessions.
- Samuel Montembeault and Alexandre Carrier — also new fathers, but their families remain in Quebec.
Local fans who were used to seeing the Canadiens captain at Brossard-area rinks should not take his absence as a sign that the city is no longer part of off-season activity. Rather, it reflects a normal fluctuation in where players choose to recharge and prepare during the months before camp.
| Player | Summer location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nick Suzuki | London, Ontario | New father; family resides in Ontario |
| Ivan Demidov | Montreal / Brossard area | Helping organise sessions |
| Samuel Montembeault | Quebec | New father; family in Quebec |
| Alexandre Carrier | Quebec | New father; family in Quebec |
Local implications and what to expect
For Brossard residents and Canadiens supporters who enjoy spotting players at public sessions, the summer will likely offer fewer opportunities to see certain established stars. That said, the city remains part of the broader Montreal-area training circuit and will host players who choose to remain nearby during the off-season.
There is also the possibility Suzuki returns to the Montreal area briefly before training camp to skate with teammates; sources indicate that he has established a culture of summer-skating in the city over several seasons, and that tradition appears to be continuing with other players. Ultimately, players’ choices about summer locations will continue to balance family needs, recovery and preparation for demanding upcoming seasons.
For local hockey fans, that means remaining attentive: favourites who have become fixtures in Brossard in previous years may not show up every summer, but the city will continue to play a role in many players’ off-season preparation.
