The arrival of Martin St-Louis at the helm of the Montreal Canadiens on February 9, 2022 marked a decisive turning point, both for fans and players. Despite his lack of experience as a coach, he was able to embody the hope of renewal by instilling positive energy and stimulating tangible progress within the team. His exceptional career as an athlete has proven and continues to be a source of inspiration that he successfully passes on to his protégés.
Since joining Sainte-Flanelle, several players have experienced significant developments in their careers. Among them, Cole Caufield stands out for his remarkable progress. The young winger, whose size is very reminiscent of that of Laval, was able to take advantage of the lessons of his coach to become an important player within the group, like what number 26 had accomplished during his hockey adventure.
Before the arrival of St-Louis, Caufield was used inadequately, which limited his performance. During his first 40 games in the National Hockey League (NHL), he recorded only 13 points, an average of 0.33 points per duel. This modest production had raised doubts about the relevance of his selection 15th overall in the 2019 draft.
It is since the Quebec coach took the reins of the collective that Caufield has revealed all his potential. In 202 games under the leadership of St. Louis, the Stevens Point native accumulated 170 points, for an impressive average of 0.84 points per game. This performance also places him second among the Canadiens’ top scorers since February 9, 2022, behind Nick Suzuki. Last Tuesday, during the matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights, Caufield reached the milestone of 100 goals in 242 games, becoming the eighth-fastest player in franchise history to reach this milestone.
He also became the 18th athlete from the University of Wisconsin Badgers to achieve this feat.
This season, the potential of number 13 is fully realized on the ice. Although some perceived him as a one-dimensional attacker, limited to his role as a sniper, he demonstrated that he is also capable of creating chances for his teammates through masterful passing, while offering a defensive effort, even if this is not his area of predilection. We must salute Martin St-Louis for knowing how to maximize the right-hander’s potential and help him flourish in all facets of the game.
In 2024-2025, the man nicknamed Goal Caufield already has 34 points, including 19 goals in 37 games.
