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Cole Caufield’s 51-goal breakout season has changed expectations around the Montreal Canadiens winger. NHL Network analyst Mike Rupp now believes the 25-year-old has a realistic path to 60 goals.
Caufield entered NHL Network’s Top Wings Right Now list at No. 9 after producing 51 goals during the 2025-26 season. That marked his first 50-goal campaign and helped establish him among the league’s top scoring threats.
MORE: Pierre McGuire says Canadiens ‘figured it out’ amid NHL contract boom
Rupp pointed to Caufield’s shooting ability as the main reason behind his scoring ceiling. “He is a stop-and-pop type shooter where he could just kind of wind up and let her rip,” Rupp said.
“He could change the angle of the shot,” Rupp added. “He’s got a great release, but probably one of the cleanest, prettiest releases I think at heart.”
Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) looks up at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Rupp also compared Caufield with elite scorers such as Alex Ovechkin and Auston Matthews, noting that each player scores differently.
“That’s why I love comparing goal scorers because they’re all different,” Rupp said. “Whether you’re going back looking at Ovi (Aleksander Ovechkin) over the years to Auston Matthews to Cole Caufield, we talked about Cutter Gauthier. They do everything a little bit different.”
Caufield’s scoring threat goes beyond his release. Rupp highlighted how effectively he creates goals despite having very little room around the net.
“The one thing for me with Cole Caufield, it’s really interesting, is what he does with little real estate,” Rupp said. “His hands are so quick, and he can stick out. There’s so many times this past season for the Montreal Canadiens, he’s off that left post, looks like he’s running out of real estate.
“Maybe gonna go behind the net below the goal line. It’s just quick little stickhandle, juking, and that puck is up under the bar in with no time and no space. Yeah, like it is wild and so smooth the way he handles that puck.”
Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing Cole Caufield (13) warms up at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Caufield’s role also gives him a major advantage. He remains part of Montreal’s top line with Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky, creating a strong setup around his shooting talent.
When Jamison Coyle asked whether Caufield could reach 60 goals, Rupp gave a direct answer.
“Yes. He is a scorer, man,” Rupp said. “And the other part, too. He’s on one of the best lines in hockey and ain’t changing that. Like that’s gonna stay this way. And maybe you play around with a little bit, but you got Nick Suzuki, Slafkovsky and Caufield. Look out.”
That combination makes 60 goals a realistic target rather than an unreasonable projection. Caufield needs nine more goals than last season, but his role and finishing ability support the possibility.
MORE: Canadiens RFA D-man Arber Xhekaj wants to stay in Montreal, says agent
Montreal also enters the season with a stronger supporting cast after reaching the Eastern Conference Final. If the Canadiens continue generating chances around their top line, Caufield could challenge for the Rocket Richard Trophy.
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Caufield entered NHL Network’s Top Wings Right Now list at No. 9 after producing 51 goals during the 2025-26 season. That marked his first 50-goal campaign and helped establish him among the league’s top scoring threats.
MORE: Pierre McGuire says Canadiens ‘figured it out’ amid NHL contract boom
Rupp pointed to Caufield’s shooting ability as the main reason behind his scoring ceiling. “He is a stop-and-pop type shooter where he could just kind of wind up and let her rip,” Rupp said.
“He could change the angle of the shot,” Rupp added. “He’s got a great release, but probably one of the cleanest, prettiest releases I think at heart.”
Mike Rupp compares Cole Caufield with Ovechkin and Matthews
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Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) looks up at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Rupp also compared Caufield with elite scorers such as Alex Ovechkin and Auston Matthews, noting that each player scores differently.
“That’s why I love comparing goal scorers because they’re all different,” Rupp said. “Whether you’re going back looking at Ovi (Aleksander Ovechkin) over the years to Auston Matthews to Cole Caufield, we talked about Cutter Gauthier. They do everything a little bit different.”
Caufield’s scoring threat goes beyond his release. Rupp highlighted how effectively he creates goals despite having very little room around the net.
“The one thing for me with Cole Caufield, it’s really interesting, is what he does with little real estate,” Rupp said. “His hands are so quick, and he can stick out. There’s so many times this past season for the Montreal Canadiens, he’s off that left post, looks like he’s running out of real estate.
“Maybe gonna go behind the net below the goal line. It’s just quick little stickhandle, juking, and that puck is up under the bar in with no time and no space. Yeah, like it is wild and so smooth the way he handles that puck.”
Mike Rupp sees 60-goal potential for Cole Caufield
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Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing Cole Caufield (13) warms up at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Caufield’s role also gives him a major advantage. He remains part of Montreal’s top line with Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky, creating a strong setup around his shooting talent.
When Jamison Coyle asked whether Caufield could reach 60 goals, Rupp gave a direct answer.
“Yes. He is a scorer, man,” Rupp said. “And the other part, too. He’s on one of the best lines in hockey and ain’t changing that. Like that’s gonna stay this way. And maybe you play around with a little bit, but you got Nick Suzuki, Slafkovsky and Caufield. Look out.”
That combination makes 60 goals a realistic target rather than an unreasonable projection. Caufield needs nine more goals than last season, but his role and finishing ability support the possibility.
MORE: Canadiens RFA D-man Arber Xhekaj wants to stay in Montreal, says agent
Montreal also enters the season with a stronger supporting cast after reaching the Eastern Conference Final. If the Canadiens continue generating chances around their top line, Caufield could challenge for the Rocket Richard Trophy.
Continue reading...
