After outperforming playoffs expectations and greatly helping the Canadiens reach their first Stanley Cup Final since 1993, expectations were high for Cole Caufield for his first full season in the NHL.
However, the small right winger has not been able to repeat his exploits of last spring so far, he has only scored one goal and seven points in 26 games. The chemistry he developed with Nick Suzuki is simply no longer there and he can no longer find the bottom of the net.
The young man's performances even led some to doubt that the expectations were justified in his regard. This was not the case, however, for the insider, Eric Engels, who remained convinced that Cole Caufield was a rising star in the National Hockey League.
The Sportsnet analyst responded to an amateur comment that Cole Caufield was the first of a long line of «flops» to win the Hobey Baker Trophy in the last 40 years. The only exceptions to this rule are, according to him, Jack Eichel, Johnny Gaudreau, Ryan Miller, Chris Drury and Paul Kariya.
This fan may have reacted emotionally, but it is obviously far too early to take stock of Caufield's career. Not all young players have the same track record and the situation is certainly not ideal with the Habs this season. It would therefore be appropriate to give the benefit of the doubt to this youngster who has not lost any of his potential since his first round selection in 2019.
