Jon Cooper clarifies Nick Suzuki’s role alongside Nathan MacKinnon for Team Canada
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The composition of Team Canada’s lines continues to generate significant speculation in Milan, fueled by the various combinations observed.
Yesterday, insider Elliotte Friedman shared a look at the projected lines that raised some questions about Nick Suzuki’s exact role.
In his report on the morning units, Friedman noted that Nathan MacKinnon was skating between Brad Marchand and Sam Reinhart (not Suzuki).
That setup, which left Suzuki out of the equation in favor of Reinhart on that unit, suggested a possible rotation or strategic shift involving the Montreal Canadiens captain.
The head coach clarifies his intentions regarding Nick Suzuki and Nathan MacKinnon
However, a statement from head coach Jon Cooper, reported by RDS, appears to push back on the idea that Suzuki is being removed from that offensive trio.
While discussing Suzuki’s playmaking ability, Cooper made a direct connection between the Canadiens center and the Colorado Avalanche superstar.
“I’ve seen the passes he makes to Caufield. I’m hoping he makes the same ones to MacKinnon.”
– Jon Cooper on Nick Suzuki
Yes, that public comment sounds very much like a confirmation of the coach’s true intentions.
It’s rare for a head coach to openly express a desire to see chemistry develop between two players if he has no plan to deploy them together.
Despite the rotations observed by Friedman at practice, Cooper’s remarks clearly suggest that the plan remains to pair Suzuki’s hockey IQ with MacKinnon’s speed to open the tournament.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Jon Cooper clarifies Nick Suzuki’s role alongside Nathan MacKinnon for Team Canada
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