MADISON, WI (WSAU) — Stevens Point native Cole Caufield has announced he will join the Montreal Canadians organization following Wisconsin’s upset loss in the NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey tournament.
Caufield made the announcement Saturday evening in a produced Instagram video thanking teammates and coaches that also features highlights of his two-year stint in Madison. “It’s time for me to take the next step in my hockey career,” he said. “Once a Badger, always a Badger. Oh, and Montreal, Allons-y,” he added, which is French for let’s go.
That was followed by official announcements from both the Badgers and Canadians.
The news comes following a successful year for Caufield. He’s one of the top ten finalists for the Hobey Baker Award, the college hockey equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. He also led all of Division I in scoring this year with 30 goals and 52 points in 31 games.
He became the property of the Canadians organization following the 2019 NHL Entry Draft where the team made him the 15th overall selection in the first round. The contract is reportedly a three-year, entry-level deal meaning he will likely spend time with both Montreal and their American Hockey League affiliate, the Laval Rockets in Laval, Quebec.
He will be subject to a quarantine period before hitting the ice.
According to SportsNet Canada, Canadians GM Marc Bergevin hasn’t committed to giving Caufield ice time this year just yet. Bergevin did acknowledge that the Stevens Point native has taken strides in his game this year, but said it’s unclear if the club will have roster or cap space for him. He did say a lot will depend on what happens at next week’s trade deadline, which could clear room for Caufield on the NHL roster.
So far there’s been no word on if the Badger’s other Hobey Baker Finalists, Dylan Holloway, will turn pro as well. Holloway is property of the Edmonton Oilers franchise after the club made him the 14th pick in the 2020 Entry Draft.
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