Nick Suzuki had an additional task during Montreal Canadiens camp this year: checking his golf teammates’ handicaps to put together balanced quartets for a friendly tournament.

The Canadiens players used the 15 and 117 on Wednesday to travel to Mont-Tremblant for the next few days.

The team will train at the Gilles Cadieux Arena on Thursday and Friday, but will also use their stay with the Laurentians to build relationships. “You won’t know someone as well as if you do activities with them outside of your environment, which is hockey,” head coach Martin St-Louis said before the team’s departure. “It’s an opportunity for the players to get closer to each other, have fun and keep working. »

“It’s part of the process of building a team,” he continued.

Suzuki emphasized that the decision to spend a few days outside of Montreal was the result of discussions held with Habs management over the summer. The less busy preparation schedule than in recent years also allowed the Canadian to organize this retreat.

The Canadian captain confirmed the presentation of a golf tournament. A team spokesperson also mentioned the possibility of players playing some card games.

“We are counting on some new players,” said Suzuki. “At the beginning of the camp we had four groups and it was difficult to see everyone every day. Now we only have one group on the ice and we can all get together again after a long summer. It will be nice to spend some time together outside of the city. “It’s rare that we can do that during camp because it’s unusual to have several days without a game,” he added. The boys enjoy spending time together outside of the city. This is the best time to get to know each other. Because there are many families and children here. »

The players may be celebrating, but their coach reminded them that the work will continue on the ice. In short, retirement in Mont-Tremblant is more of an opportunity to combine business with pleasure.

“During the first three days of camp we had intrasquad games where we wanted to evaluate the players. There wasn’t much teaching, St-Louis noted. With the preparatory games we began to work on the concepts for a joint game. Little by little we tried to add more. »

“Now we are relying on fewer players and can go into it in more detail,” the coach continued. I know we’ll meet in Mont-Tremblant, but we’ll be working in the arena. »

Monahan and Lindström in the infirmary

Striker Sean Monahan and defender Gustav Lindström missed the Canadian’s training session on Wednesday and instead took advantage of a day of treatment.

The Habs released the information without revealing further details. However, the team announced on Monday that Lindström is dealing with an upper body injury and that his health will be reassessed daily. For his part, Monahan faced the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday. He collected two assists in the Canadiens’ 5-4 overtime win. Despite everything, they accompanied their teammates to Mont-Tremblant.

Additionally, forwards Alex Newhook (upper body) and Joel Armia (upper body) practiced without restrictions Wednesday morning at the CN Sports Complex. Christian Dvorak (knee) skated with his teammates but wore a jersey indicating he should avoid contact. Defenseman Mike Matheson (lower body) also trained without restrictions.

The Canadian will complete his preseason schedule by taking on the Senators in Ottawa on Saturday. He will begin his season next Wednesday against the Maple Leafs in Toronto.

To watch in the video