What Will Cole Caufield's Soon To Come Pay Raise Look Like?

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Tyler
August 6, 2022 (0:06)

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Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton have been busy during the offseason, swinging trades and shedding cap - however, a Cole Caufield contract extension is pending - best bud and Canadiens centre Nick Suzuki has expressed his interest in Caufield staying put.

«Hopefully Cole signs a long-term deal with us. Just to play with him is really special. We have a ton of fun together and hopefully we can win a few (Stanley) Cups together - just like the older guys,» said Suzuki, regarding Caufield sticking around in Montreal and signing an extension with the Habs.

Suzuki and Caufield have formed an intriguing young duo - a sleek two-way centre and a dynamic elusive winger who loves to use his exceptional shot. With no contract in-place after the 2022-23 season, Caufield and the Canadiens have a deal to discuss. Caufield had some tough battles, but since Martin St. Louis took over the reigns behind the Habs bench - Caufield has regained his confidence, allowing for his offensive abilities to re-emerge.

It was truly a �tale of two halves' the start of Caufield's season with former head coach Dominique Ducharme - and newly minted head coach and Quebec-native Martin St. Louis. Caufield had some great performances, an offensive explosion in the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs showcased what exactly he can provide for the Habs. Under Ducharme, Caufield mustered up one goal, seven assists for eight points in 30 games - while under St. Louis he tied a knot on the final 37 games of the campaign, scoring 22 goals, along with 13 assists for 35 points.

Caufield has suited up for 85 professional games - scoring five goals, four assists for nine points through eight games with the Laval Rocket (AHL) and through 77 games with the Montreal Canadiens (NHL), Caufield has produced 27 goals, 21 assists for 48 points through 77 games since he was drafted 15 overall by the Canadiens in 2019. Since the 2019 Draft, he has scored at a high-rate in the NCAA with the Wisconsin Badgers, under head coach Tony Granato. Caufield suited up for 67 NCAA games over two seasons, scoring 49 goals, 39 assists for 88 points - his individual accomplishments include:

What kind of deal would work best for both parties' going forward?

Some previous extensions - with either expiring ELC's or similar point production prior to signing the deal - provide a good starting point. So, in terms of salary, term and production what exactly has his output warranted him? Some potential contracts that could resemble what Caufield gets are: Jake Guentzel (five years, $30 million), Nikolaj Ehlers (seven years, $42 million), Nick Suzuki (eight years, $63 million) And Clayton Keller (eight years, $57.2 million).

Hughes and Gorton are smart and with the market as proof, signing Caufield to an eight year deal could pay huge dividends. With a deal in the area of six and a half to eight million dollars per year. Betting on Caufield is something he, himself has done for years and thrived, utilizing the �chip on his shoulder' to motivate him.

Striking while the iron is hot, and avoiding UFA-status has become a regular practice throughout the league, could Kent Hughes be considering signing the Wisconsin-native to a deal sooner, rather than later? Caufield is a valuable asset and his offensive potential going forward will increase the money amount - should he have a breakout season offensively.

Stay tuned for an article about his new deal, once pen is put to paper between the player and club.