Cole Caufield and No. 13 look incredible

Entering the 2024-25 Montreal Canadiens season, Cole Caufield switched his number 22 for a new number 13.

Caufield made the move in honour of one of his favourite players growing up, Johnny Gaudreau. As you know, Johnny and his brother Matthew passed away during a tragic cycling accident. So, naturally, the number held some weight to it for Caufield, and he has been on a bit of a tear to start the season with his new number.

With six goals through six games, Caufield leads the Canadiens in that category, and he is tied for second in goals. Only Nikita Kucherov has registered more goals to start the 2024-25 campaign with seven. The season is one six games old for the Habs, but early signs look promising for the Mosinee, Wisconsin native.

Stu Cowan, Canadiens beat writer for the Montreal Gazette put it best, "No. 13 is looking very good on Cole Caufield." It's certainly hard to disagree with that statement; as the top six hasn't looked all that hot, but Caufield has been a bright spot. It's not that Juraj Slafkovsky and Nick Suzuki aren't playing well - they've been okay - but Caufield has played some of his best hockey.

40 in 82 for No. 13?

I mentioned it earlier and if you think the same thing, I hear that - it's only been six games - but these six games have seen Caufield shooting with so much confidence. There is no hesitation and he has shown equal excitement after scoring each tally. I think this is the year that Caufield puts his name in the same conversation as some of the league's best goal-scorers.

Naturally, with that statement, the thought that there are many variables that need to work for that to happen is sparked. Health is the most important factor, so first and foremost, for Caufield to best his high (28) he will need to stay healthy, but Slafkovsky and Suzuki will need to also. I think the excitement surrounding the team was very high when Patrik Laine joined, but the impact of his injury has brought the best out of Caufield.

But, I think that Caufield will only continue being a threat, maybe even more so when Laine returns to the lineup. I think that it would be interesting to see Laine and Caufield lighting up the scoresheet. If they can both light it up, the Bell Centre faithful could potentially have two 40-goal scorers.

I know it sounds crazy, who knows what Laine will do; but it is something that I don't think is such a crazy thought.