Cole Caufield signs eight-year contract extension with Montreal Canadiens
(Photo Credit: @CanadiensMTL/ Twitter)

The Montreal Canadiens have officially announced an eight-year contract extension with forward Cole Caufield, securing his place on the team through the 2030-31 season.

Caufield, 22, has been a standout player for the Canadiens, leading the team in goals for the second consecutive year. Despite a season-ending shoulder surgery, the Wisconsin native managed to score 26 goals and added 10 assists in 46 games in the 2022-23 season.

The contract extension, announced by general manager Kent Hughes, will pay Caufield an average annual value (AAV) of $7.85 million, providing a significant boost to his earnings. The financial commitment from the Canadiens reflects the team’s confidence in Caufield’s abilities and future potential.

“Caufield has been a significant contributor to our team’s offense, and we’re thrilled to have him on board for the next eight years,” said a team representative.

Caufield, standing at a listed height of 5’7″, is believed to be the shortest active NHL player. His stature, however, has not deterred him from making a significant impact on the ice. Despite his height, Caufield has proven his value time and time again, proving to be one of the NHL’s most potent goalscorers.

Ever since making his NHL debut in 2020-21, Caufield has recorded 84 points (53 goals, 31 assists) in 123 NHL games. Among players drafted in 2019, he is ranked second in the NHL with 53 goals, only behind first-overall pick Jack Hughes.

Caufield’s impressive performance is not limited to the NHL. The American forward won the Hobey Baker Award in 2020-21, an award presented annually to the NCAA’s top men’s hockey player. His record-breaking 72 goals scored in a single season with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP) in 2018-19 still stand as the highest total in the program’s history.

In January, amid speculation about his future with the team, Caufield expressed his affinity for the city and the team. “I am happy here,” he said. “I do love it. I love the city, the fans, the team. It’s all good. I think it’s a perfect fit”. Now, with an eight-year contract extension in place, Caufield can continue to show his love for the team on the ice, with the Montreal Canadiens and their fans reciprocating that love off the ice.