Montreal Canadiens: Cole Caufield Returns and Mattias Norlinder Debuts

The Montreal Canadiens 4-12-2 start to the new season has pretty much eliminated their chances of making a postseason run.

They showed last season that just getting in would give them a chance to make some noise, so seeding doesn’t really matter all that much. However, finishing in a playoff spot does matter and it already looks like the Habs are toast.

So, we look ahead to other things on game day, like keeping a close eye on some of the organization’s younger players. Tonight’s game will feature two of their brighter lights when it comes to prospects.

Cole Caufield was sent down to the Laval Rocket on November 1st after starting the season with just one assist in his first ten games. He played well for the Canadiens last season in their postseason run, but struggled to put up points this season. He scored five points in six games for the Laval Rocket, including the tying goal last night that completed a comeback from down 5-1 versus the Toronto Marlies.

The Canadiens are battling injuries right now, and with Mike Hoffman on injured reserve the team has chosen to bring Caufield back up in time for tonight’s game. After finding some confidence on the farm, a more confident Caufield should be on the ice for the Canadiens tonight.

Mattias Norlinder will also be on the ice for the Canadiens. It will be his National Hockey League debut as the 2019 third round draft pick cracks the lineup for the first time. He was injured in training camp and played three games last week for the Laval Rocket on a conditioning stint. Now, he steps on the NHL ice for the first time.

Cayden Primeau will also be in goal for the second consecutive game. He played extremely well against the New York Rangers in a 3-2 loss on Tuesday night. He was left to fend for himself on all three Rangers goals, and came up big with tough saves on numerous occasions to keep the Canadiens in it.

Cheering for wins is already stating to feel futile this season, but keeping an eye on 20 year old Cole Caufield, 21 year old Mattias Norlinder and 22 year old Cayden Primeau will be fun tonight.

The future is certainly on display as the Canadiens take on the Pittsburgh Penguins.