Canadiens’ Nick Suzuki out 2-4 weeks with upper-body injury

Well, this isn’t the best news if you’re a Montreal Canadiens fan.

On Thursday, the team announced that captain Nick Suzuki will be out 2-4 weeks with an upper-body injury. In response, the team has called up forward Owen Beck from its American Hockey League affiliate, the Laval Rocket.

While the team didn’t specify what exactly is keeping Suzuki out until November, the injury can be traced back to what happened during the Canadiens’ matchup against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night. In the latter half of regulation, the 27-year-old blocked a shot with his left hand, leaving him shaken up. However, Suzuki would fight through the pain, playing the remainder of the contest, which saw Montreal fall 4-3 in overtime.

Not lost in Suzuki’s injury is that his career-long iron man streak will come to an end. Since first stepping onto NHL ice with the Habs during the 2019-20 campaign, Suzuki has appeared in every single one of his team’s games in both the regular season and the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He has played 546 consecutive regular-season contests, with another 56 in the postseason.

Yet, Montreal will have to navigate the next few weeks, including a four-game road trip, without their on-ice leader. In nine games so far, the London, Ont. native has scored five goals and seven assists for 12 points, sitting tied for the team lead in helpers and second in goals.

Beck has appeared in two games with Montreal this season, but has yet to register a point. In five games with Laval, the 22-year-old has posted a goal and an assist.

The Canadiens (4-3-2) begin their road trip on Friday night against the Chicago Blackhawks.