Two players criticized for choosing not to represent their countries at World Championships

PUBLICATION

S. Harper
May 7, 2022 (2:54 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

It was a very disappointing season for the Montreal Canadiens, the Canadiens finished dead last this season and were the first team to ever finish 32nd overall. The season wasn't all as bad though, as it seems the Canadiens have found a competent Head Coach in Martin St. Louis. The hiring of St. Louis was a neccessity after that failures of Dominique Ducharme led the Canadiens to one of their worst starts in franchise history.

The Habs' players saw an immediate improvement under St. Louis. Two if the most notable improvements were that of Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. After the season ended it was assumed both Suzuki and Caufield would be headed to the World Championships as both players received invites.

But both chose to decline the opportunity.

The media in Montreal hasn't been as supportive of the two turning down a major development opportunity. TVA Sports, Michel Bergeron went off last night on his show:

Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield were indeed invited to represent their country for the tournament in mid-May, but they declined the invitation. The first one wants to rest in order to heal a small back injury that he has been suffering for a while, while the second one wants to focus on his preparation for the next season. This is a serious mistake.

I am stunned. When I heard that, I told myself it was impossible. To have the chance to be with veterans, to learn, to be employed on special units. I do not understand this decision at all.

No one in Habs management dares to get involved in this matter and the decision is left to the two kids. There's no good reason not to go. It's a bad decision!