NICK SUZUKI TO MISS 5 GAMES AS MOTHER BATTLES WITH.

HEARTBREAK IN MONTREAL: NICK SUZUKI TO MISS 5 GAMES AS MOTHER BATTLES WITH HEART PROBLEM

By: Danielle Marchand | June 27, 2025

Montreal, QC— In a stunning and emotional announcement on Friday morning, the Montreal Canadiens confirmed that team captain Nick Suzuki will be stepping away from the lineup for at least five games to be with his mother, Shizuka Suzuki, who is undergoing treatment for a serious heart condition.

The 25-year-old centreman, known as much for his leadership and composure as his on-ice brilliance, reportedly flew to London, Ontario late Thursday night after receiving news of his mother’s sudden hospitalization.

The Canadiens released a brief but heartfelt statement on social media:

> “Our thoughts and full support are with Nick and the entire Suzuki family during this difficult time. Family comes first. We ask fans to respect Nick’s privacy as he attends to his mother’s health. The entire organization stands behind him.”

Sources close to the team say Suzuki had been visibly emotional during Thursday’s practice, but few knew the extent of the situation until the news broke this morning. While details of Shizuka Suzuki’s condition remain private, a family friend described it as “serious but stable.”

Suzuki has long spoken publicly about the close bond he shares with his mother, crediting her unwavering support and sacrifices throughout his hockey career.

In a 2022 interview, he said, “My mom has been my rock. Everything I’ve achieved in hockey, I owe to her strength and guidance.”

The Canadiens will now be forced to recalibrate their lineup during a critical stretch of the season, with games against division rivals Toronto and Boston on the horizon. Head coach Martin St. Louis addressed the media Friday afternoon.

> “You don’t replace a guy like Nick — as a player or a person,” said St. Louis. “We’ll rally as a group, but our hearts are with him right now. Hockey’s important, but nothing is more important than family.”

Veteran forward Sean Monahan is expected to step into the top-line center role in Suzuki’s absence, while young standout Owen Beck has been called up from Laval to bolster the roster.

Suzuki’s absence will be deeply felt both on and off the ice. As captain, he has been instrumental in guiding a young Canadiens core through its rebuild, emerging as a steady and inspiring leader. His 42 points in 41 games this season rank him among the league’s top performers.

Fans have already begun flooding social media with messages of support, using the hashtag #StayStrongSuzuki to show solidarity with the star and his family.

There is no official timeline for Suzuki’s return, but the team insists he will take “all the time he needs.”

For now, an entire city stands behind one of its most beloved players — hoping, praying, and waiting.