Social networks have been in turmoil since Pascal Leclaire, analyst at TVA Sports, released a statement that was, to say the least, incendiary about Cole Caufield.
According to Leclaire, Caufield “is so useless when he doesn’t score that he should be sent to the stands.”
A remark which immediately inflamed the Canadian’s supporters and sparked an unprecedented wave of anger against the former goalkeeper and the broadcaster TVA Sports.
An unacceptable statement and an immediate outcry…deserved…
Caufield, who is one goal away from leading the NHL in goals this season, is in top form on the ice.
So hearing that such a prolific player should be sidelined because of his defensive shortcomings was received as a real provocation by fans.
While no one denies that Caufield still has room for improvement defensively, suggesting that he deserves the stands has been seen as pure and simple nonsense.
” Pardon ?! You can’t say such stupid things.”an Internet user is indignant.
In a few hours, outraged comments invaded X and Facebook, with hundreds of fans expressing their frustration with Pascal Leclaire and TVA Sports, accused of disrespecting one of the Canadian’s most beloved figures.
Should we draw them a picture so that they understand that Caufield is an essential offensive asset despite his defensive shortcomings?
It is true that Caufield is not a defensive model. His play without the puck still leaves something to be desired, and he can sometimes become a weakness in the defensive zone, as we saw on the Blues’ 2nd goal yesterday.
But talking about relegating him to the stands is a purely unacceptable idea for the fans. Caufield is one of the Canadiens’ best offensive prospects, and his scoring talent is too valuable to put aside.
Although it is true that he needs to improve his defensive coverage, he remains an essential player on a team that often struggles to score.
Remove Caufield from the lineup? It’s like trying to turn off the only light in a dark room.
Since this controversial statement, Pascal Leclaire has taken a beating on social networks. Outraged supporters accuse the former goalkeeper of being disconnected from reality and lacking discernment.
TVA Sports, already under fire for its coverage deemed unprofessional, also finds itself in the crosshairs.
“TVA Sports should review its analysts before spouting such nonsense”we can read in several comments.
“Send Caufield to the stands? Is Leclaire serious? Let him go back and play golf. »
“TVA Sports continues to sabotage its broadcasts with bogus experts. »
“Talking about benching when the guy is one goal away from leading the NHL? Ridiculous. »
This new controversy puts TVA Sports in a delicate position. Already criticized for the quality of certain analyses, the network is seeing its image deteriorate further.
Leclaire, for his part, could well find himself isolated after this unpopular statement.
In Montreal, fans don’t forgive easily. And touching a player as beloved as Cole Caufield is a red line that Leclaire seems to have crossed.
TVA Sports may have to review the way in which its analysts comment on the Habs’ performances, otherwise it will attract even more discontent from the public.
The audience ratings are already at rock bottom.
Pascal Leclaire’s statement was seen as a lack of respect not only towards Cole Caufield, but also towards the Canadiens’ supporters.
Caufield may not be the most complete player defensively, but he is one of the team’s most valuable assets.
Suggesting sending him to the stands is not only unrealistic, but also offensive.
The fans have clearly expressed their disagreement, and TVA Sports will have to react quickly to try to calm the situation.
An apology or clarification from Leclaire may be necessary to calm the storm.
Because if one thing is certain, it is that Montreal hockey fans will never let a lack of respect towards their star player go unnoticed.
Especially not when he scored 7 goals in 8 games.
Ridicule…
Behind Cole Caufield’s distant behavior and short answers was a reason much more complex than simple disinterest. The incident with Pascal Leclaire and the explosive reactions of TVA Sports made it possible to understand why the young player gradually closed himself off from journalists. Caufield no longer feels respected by the Montreal press and believes that his performances are systematically reduced to his defensive shortcomings, without recognition for his major offensive impact.
For Caufield, it is not constructive criticism that is the problem, but the feeling of being personally attacked. Pascal Leclaire’s comment is symptomatic of this toxic pressure: despite his brilliant offensive production – one goal away from leading the NHL – he is denigrated as a useless player if he does not score. By experiencing this kind of harsh judgment, Caufield grew tired.
Sources close to the locker room reveal that Caufield had a particularly bad experience last season, when a journalist joked about his difficulties in scoring by linking it to his nocturnal activities with Christian Dvorak. These insinuations about his personal life – including his dating models on OnlyFans and his outings on the town – were felt to be an unacceptable intrusion.
Leclaire’s words only drove home the point. Why try to build a relationship with journalists who, according to him, are waiting for the slightest opportunity to criticize him or tarnish his image? It was this accumulation of unwarranted criticism that pushed Caufield to adopt a more cold and distant behavior with the press.
A player who protects himself from a demanding city
In Montreal, where every word, every action is analyzed, Caufield preferred to protect himself by reducing his exchanges with the media.
From an accessible and cheerful player, he has become more reserved, content to respond with short and monotonous formulas during press conferences.
We now understand why.
This strategy allows him to fully concentrate on his game without the additional stress generated by the constant gaze of journalists.
But it also accentuated the tension between him and the local media, who are struggling to understand this change in attitude.
Leclaire’s scathing comment just illustrated this growing divide: rather than recognizing Caufield’s excellence on the ice, some prefer to point out his weaknesses and insinuate that he is not complete enough.
Caufield knows he doesn’t need the media to prove his worth. As long as his stats speak for him, he can afford to keep his distance.
But it is clear that this conflicting relationship with the press could end up isolating him further.
If TVA Sports and certain journalists continue to minimize his performances, the divide could become irreparable.
At 23, Caufield is one of the Canadian’s biggest promises. But if he does not feel supported by the media, he risks continuing to withdraw and evolve in a climate of distrust, a well-known trap for stars playing in Montreal.
The episode with Pascal Leclaire highlights the dilemma Cole Caufield faces in Montreal. If he excels offensively, his defensive errors are not forgiven, and the media do not hesitate to crucify him as soon as he shows signs of weakness.
For Caufield, the solution appears to be to limit his interactions with a press he perceives as unfair and intrusive.
The public’s scathing reaction to TVA Sports is proof that the bond between Caufield and the fans remains strong, despite everything. But for Caufield to truly flourish in Montreal, journalists will have to change their approach.
Because in Montreal, shining on the ice is not always enough: you also have to learn to juggle media pressure. And without a minimum of mutual respect, this relationship is doomed to remain conflictual.
In the meantime, Caufield will continue to score goals – on the ice and in the hearts of fans – while keeping the press at bay.
Such is life.