Cole Caufield Bio
Cole Caufield is an American professional ice hockey winger for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the first round, 15th overall, by the Canadiens in the 2019 NHL entry draft. Following success with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, Caufield played collegiately for the University of Wisconsin-Madison of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) for the 2019–20 and 2020–21 seasons. He won the Hobey Baker Award and was the leading goal and point-scorer for the 2020–21 NCAA season.
Early Life and Background
Cole Caufield was born on January 2, 2001, in Mosinee, Wisconsin, to a hockey-playing family. He began skating at the age of two and played multiple sports during his childhood, including baseball and football. His father taught him to shoot right-handed, believing it provided a better angle to access a goaltender’s glove hand. Caufield played Bantam AAA for Team Wisconsin and Stevens Point Area Senior High School, scoring 75 goals and accumulating 145 points over two seasons before joining the USA Hockey National Team Development Program in Plymouth, Michigan, in spring 2017. In his first year with the USNTDP, Caufield led the combined U17 and U18 team with 54 goals and 26 assists, just one goal shy of matching the single-season record of 55 set by Auston Matthews in 2014–15. He made a verbal commitment to play college ice hockey at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Path to Hockey
During the 2018–19 season, Caufield scored 72 goals and 28 assists, breaking the all-time USNTDP goal record previously held by Phil Kessel and also surpassing Matthews’ single-season goal record. Leading up to the 2019 NHL entry draft, Caufield was considered a top prospect, ranked eighth by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau among North American skaters. On June 21, 2019, he was selected in the first round (15th overall) by the Montreal Canadiens. Shortly after, he attended the Canadiens’ annual development camp, marking the beginning of his professional journey.
Cole Caufield Career
Early Career (2021–Present)
Caufield signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Montreal Canadiens on March 27, 2021. After concluding his collegiate career, he was first assigned to the Canadiens’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Laval Rocket. He made his professional debut for Laval on April 9, recording two goals and one assist in a 5–3 win against the Toronto Marlies. After appearing in two AHL games, Caufield was recalled to the Canadiens’ taxi squad on April 16, but was unable to join the active roster due to salary cap issues. Following injuries to teammates, he made his NHL debut as an emergency recall in a 2–1 victory over the Calgary Flames on April 26. He scored his first career NHL goal in a 3–2 overtime win over the Ottawa Senators on May 1.
Breakthrough (2021–2022)
Caufield’s breakthrough came during the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs, where he made a significant impact. After being a healthy scratch for the first two games, he made his NHL playoff debut in a loss against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He scored his first NHL playoff goal in a semifinal loss against the Vegas Golden Knights and later scored the go-ahead goal in the Canadiens’ series-clinching win over Vegas. In the 2021 Stanley Cup Finals, he recorded three assists, contributing to the team’s remarkable playoff run. Caufield appeared in twenty games during his inaugural postseason, recording 12 points, trailing only Claude Lemieux and Jacques Lemaire for the most points by a Canadiens rookie in a single postseason.
Notable Works and Milestones
Caufield’s signature work includes his performance during the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs, where he became the first rookie in NHL history to record three overtime points in a single postseason. He entered the 2021–22 NHL season as a favorite to win the Calder Memorial Trophy. Despite a slow start, he rebounded under new head coach Martin St. Louis, scoring six goals in seven games and earning recognition as the Canadiens’ player of the month. He finished the season with 23 goals, tied for second in rookie goal-scoring.
Cole Caufield Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Cole Caufield has received several nominations, showcasing his talent and contributions to the sport of hockey.
Cole Caufield Awards Won
Cole Caufield has won notable awards, including the Hobey Baker Award, recognizing him as the top NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey player. He has also been named to various all-star teams and received accolades for his performance in international competitions.
Cole Caufield Family
Cole Caufield has an older brother, Brock, who played for the Wisconsin Badgers men’s ice hockey team and is currently a member of the Cincinnati Cyclones in the ECHL. Their father, Paul, played for the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point and remains the team’s all-time leading scorer. He has also worked as an assistant coach and manager of Ice Hawks Arena.
Personal Life
Cole Caufield’s paternal grandfather, Wayne, is a member of the Wisconsin Hockey Hall of Fame and played semi-professional hockey. He passed away in 2018 at the age of 75. Caufield’s family has a rich hockey heritage, contributing to his passion and success in the sport.
