The non-selection of Cole Caufield in the American squad for the 4 Nations Tournament caused some disappointment among the main interested party, but was not a surprise. Bill Guerin had repeatedly said before the roster was made official that he preferred complete players rather than one-dimensional profiles, a description he said fit Caufield.
A month after the team’s announcement, the decision to dismiss the Montreal Canadiens winger seems more and more questionable. Number 13 had promised to make Guerin and his deputies regret this choice, and he was quick to keep his word.
Since December 4, the day he learned of his exclusion, Caufield has been CH’s most productive hockey player with 13 points in 14 games. If he was previously considered a simple scorer, he proved his versatility, particularly as a playmaker. During this streak of 14 duels, he hit the target five times and recorded eight assists, confirming as well as he can be much more than a specialist at threading the needle.
This great series allowed him to reach the plateau of 21 goals and accumulate 36 points in 39 games in 2024-2025, while playing a crucial role in the Habs’ recent successes. His performance also relaunched the debate on the choice of Guerin, who preferred to select players like Chris Kreider instead of the small forward.
The New York Rangers forward, unlike Caufield, is going through a difficult period. In 13 games, he only collected five points and posted a differential of -6, the second worst on his club. His trainer, Peter Laviolette, even left him out on December 23. With only 15 points in 34 games this season, Kreider averages 0.44 points per game, well below his usual standards.
For the American team, it is hoped that Kreider quickly regains his level, because the 4 Nations Tournament brings together the best players from four world hockey powers. Guerin will need optimal performance from everyone to hope to win the honors. The CEO must be biting his fingers at not having selected the one nicknamed “Goal Caufield”.
