Montreal Canadiens‘ 1st round pick in the 2019 draft (#15 overall), the small and speedy Cole Caufield(44) finally got in a first AHL game with affiliate Laval Rocket, a couple of weeks after signing his 3-year entry level contract post two huge scoring seasons at University Of Wisconsin.
As he was readying for his pro debut, he was given the news that indeed he won the 2021 Hobey Baker Award, as the best player in college hockey, something few people doubted he would receive.
The 5’7″ 165 lbs. forward got right to business in his initial appearance striking for his team’s first tally, later would come up with the game-winner and also grabbed an assist, leaving the game with a +1 rating in a 5-3 win.
It’s tough to say if the quick pivot with excellent hands will get the nod to skate with the big league club in this frame or simply continue to help guide the minor league squad for a potential championship.
There is little doubt though, the 20-year old Wisconsin native, who played 99 games scoring 159 points in his 2nd session with the USNTDP and U18, is just getting started.