Caufield signs with the Montreal Canadiens
March 27, 2021 | Men's Hockey, NHL Badgers
Hobey finalist and nation’s leading scorer turns pro
MADISON, Wis. – Sophomore forward Cole Caufield, who leads the nation in goals and points, will forego his final two years of collegiate eligibility after signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday.
Chosen 15th overall in the 2019 NHL draft, Caufield helped the Badgers win the Big Ten regular-season title with his second consecutive Big Ten scoring title. He also helped the Badgers reach the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2014.
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Big Ten Player of the Year and Hobey Baker top-10 finalist, the Stevens Point native leads the country with 30 goals and 52 points in 31 games. He holds a 12-goal advantage over the next closest goal scorer. He also became the first Badger since 1990 to tally 30 goals in a season.
Caufield finished out his collegiate career for the Badgers with 11 goals in a six-game goal streak. He also wrapped his career with a nine-game point streak that included 13 goals and 19 points.
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In addition to his collegiate accolades, Caufield served as an alternate captain for Team USA to help the team capture gold at the 2021 World Junior Championship.
"I'm really, really proud of him," head coach Tony Granato said. "He was fun to be around and fun for us to coach as a coaching staff for these two years. I asked a lot of him this year and everything I asked of him, he went above and beyond.
"Cole had as good of a year as I've ever seen any college player have. His competitiveness, his hunger, his character as a kid blossomed and helped our team become an elite team.
"We all know Cole can score goals, and now he showed that he can make his teammates great, as well.
"I can't wait to watch him as a pro. We'll be cheering for him and looking forward to him having an impact for Montreal in the near future."
Caufield is expected to join the AHL's Laval Rockets to start his professional career following a required quarantine period.
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Chosen 15th overall in the 2019 NHL draft, Caufield helped the Badgers win the Big Ten regular-season title with his second consecutive Big Ten scoring title. He also helped the Badgers reach the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2014.
Â
Big Ten Player of the Year and Hobey Baker top-10 finalist, the Stevens Point native leads the country with 30 goals and 52 points in 31 games. He holds a 12-goal advantage over the next closest goal scorer. He also became the first Badger since 1990 to tally 30 goals in a season.
Caufield finished out his collegiate career for the Badgers with 11 goals in a six-game goal streak. He also wrapped his career with a nine-game point streak that included 13 goals and 19 points.
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Cole Caufield.#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/SbVo0fTFGt
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 28, 2021
In addition to his collegiate accolades, Caufield served as an alternate captain for Team USA to help the team capture gold at the 2021 World Junior Championship.
"I'm really, really proud of him," head coach Tony Granato said. "He was fun to be around and fun for us to coach as a coaching staff for these two years. I asked a lot of him this year and everything I asked of him, he went above and beyond.
"Cole had as good of a year as I've ever seen any college player have. His competitiveness, his hunger, his character as a kid blossomed and helped our team become an elite team.
"We all know Cole can score goals, and now he showed that he can make his teammates great, as well.
"I can't wait to watch him as a pro. We'll be cheering for him and looking forward to him having an impact for Montreal in the near future."
Caufield is expected to join the AHL's Laval Rockets to start his professional career following a required quarantine period.
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Players Mentioned
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