Montreal Canadiens sniper Cole Caufield was on pace for a 40-plus goal season last year. If he stays healthy, what's the expectation for his goal total this season?
As the 2023-24 NHL season approaches, the Montreal Canadiens fanbase is excited about the potential performance of the team’s young players on the roster. At the age of 22, Cole Caufield is a young veteran that is entering his fourth National Hockey League (NHL) season.
Caufield's journey to the NHL was marked by remarkable achievements, including his time with the University of Wisconsin where he clinched the Hobey Baker Award given to the best player in collegiate hockey. Upon making his debut with the Canadiens, the young forward wasted no time in showcasing his natural scoring ability, with his quick release and precise shooting. He scored four times in his 10-game tenure with the Habs in 2020-21 following the conclusion of his NCAA season.
In his first full season with Montreal, Caufield had a slow start finding the back of the net once through 30 games. The forward even had a brief stint in Laval. He was not the only Canadien struggling at the time and it led to Dominique Ducharme being relieved of his duties.
Martin St. Louis entered the picture, and Caufield scored 22 times in 37 games. Under the new coach, he was on pace in producing 48 goals in a 82-game season. Several fans blamed Ducharme for Caufield not winning the Calder trophy in 2021-22.
The forward continued scoring last season getting the puck behind the red line 26 times in 46 games before being shut down with a right shoulder injury that required surgery. In a full 82-game schedule, he was on pace for 46 goals.
The burning question now is whether Caufield can eclipse the 40-goal benchmark in the upcoming season. The shoulder surgery is not expected to impact Caufield’s performance. The organization showed their confidence towards their 2019 first round draft pick by signing him to an eight-year, $62.8 million contract extension during the summer.
The Hockey News’ Fantasy guide projects Caufield to score 41 goals and 63 points in 2023-24. His scoring ability throughout his playing career and the numbers he has put up in his young NHL career demonstrate that it’s a realistic objective.
Caufield and captain Nick Suzuki have consistently been paired together on the top line since St. Louis took over the bench. The duo will likely begin the season together and the coach will have several options to slot on the right side. Sean Monahan, newly acquired Alex Newhook and Josh Anderson are certainly the favorites to get an opportunity to complete the trio.
Caufield will also have an opportunity to use his dangerous shot on the power play. He has taken a liking to setting up at the faceoff circle on his off-wing to blast pucks behind the opposing goaltenders.
Regardless of the final tally, this season promises to be one of excitement, growth, and potential for both Caufield and the Montreal Canadiens.
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Caufield along with a bevy of young Canadiens prospects are helping to revive the Canadiens' rivalries, including with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Listen to this topic and more on a brand new episode of the Canadiens Connection podcast: Canadiens Rebuild Set to Reignite Habs - Leafs Rivalry | Canadiens Connection ep 258
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