Nick Suzuki Out 2-4 Weeks as Canadiens Captain's Ironman Streak Ends at 546

Nick Suzuki's remarkable ironman run is over. The Montreal Canadiens announced Thursday that their captain will be out two to four weeks with an upper-body injury, snapping a streak of 546 consecutive games played — a run that dated back to his NHL debut in the 2019-20 season.

The 27-year-old had never missed a game in his career. His 546-game streak was the second-longest active run in the league behind Brent Burns' 1,017, and it ranks as the 20th-longest streak in NHL history.

Suzuki was hurt Tuesday in a 4-3 overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks, a game in which he still managed a goal and an assist across 21:03 of ice time. He has been Montreal's most consistent performer this season with 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in nine games. Last season he posted a career-high 101 points, finished plus-37, and won the Selke Trophy as the league's top defensive forward.

The Canadiens, who visit the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday, now lose their captain and top center during a stretch that will test their depth. Suzuki owns 488 career points (172 goals, 316 assists) in the regular season, plus 41 points in 56 playoff games.