The Montreal Canadiens are down to just one game remaining on the 2021-22 calendar.
Their second last game was a win over the playoff bound New York Rangers but an overtime win later that night by the Arizona Coyotes ensured that the Habs will finish in last place in the standings.
That means there is only one more chance to see the Canadiens in action this season, mercifully some might say, but a few of the team’s players could be busy this spring nonetheless.
Cole Caufield, for one, could be heading to the World Championships to represent his country. The Wisconsin native was a first round pick of the Habs in 2019 and played quite well for two seasons for the Wisconsin Badgers before turning pro late last season. He performed well in the 2021 postseason, scoring 12 points in 20 games and working his way up to the team’s top line with Tyler Toffoli and Nick Suzuki.
This season didn’t start off so well for the 21 year old winger. He found himself sent down to the AHL’s Laval Rocket for a short stint, though he made the most of it scoring five points in six contests.
Once Martin St. Louis replaced Dominique Ducharme behind the team’s bench, Caufield immediately found his offensive game. He has scored 19 goals and 32 points in 36 games since the coaching change and regained his role on the team’s first line.
While he won’t be able to play any playoff hockey this season, it’s possible we could see Caufield scoring goals again this spring.
The United States has asked him to represent them at the upcoming World Hockey Championships next month.
Caufield has said he will take his time to decide on whether or not he wants to play, but is going to finish out his regular season first. The Canadiens last game is tomorrow night against the Florida Panthers.
Caufield has represented his country on numerous occasions before turning pro. He scored eight goals and 13 points in six games at the World Under-17 Championships. He had an astounding 14 goals and 18 points in seven games at the Under-18 tournament in 2019. He has also played at two World Juniors, helping USA win gold in 2021 with five points in seven games.
Hopefully the young winger is able to suit up for his country at the World Championships and has as much success as his previous tournaments playing for USA.
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