Prospect Info: Cole Caufield (Part 5) - No Sophmore Slump, please Edition

[yianik]

Lol. Gallagher uses his lower centre of gravity and strength on his skates to pin ball through players and get to the net.

Suzuki said Vegas told him to work on his defence in his D +1 year. So he did. He said the Habs told him to work on his quickness in D+2, so he did.

Caulfield should stay in Wisconsin.

 

[Goldenhands]

I'd rather he goes to Laval this year...gets a taste of pro hockey, then spends a full year in Laval again next year.

Granato isn't a very good coach, Wisconsin isn't a very good team. He led his conference in scoring this year.

Not sure what else is left to learn at that level.

On to the next step

Wisconsin was the 2nd youngest team in the NCAA last season and their most talended players are pretty young... As someone who watched Wisconsin alot, Caufield clearly needs alot of work with his game away from the puck and defensive zone work, 1 on 1, he gets beat too easily against 20-24 yrs old players as well, he is lazy at forechecking and backchecking... Overall, the kid is way too flawed and not physically ready right now for Pro level hockey, he would get killed and laughed at...

He comes alive when the puck is on his stick, he is great at attacking the offensive zone, is extremmely dangerous and very tough to read, since he can beat you several ways, has very quick hands, can deke his opponents at times, good passing skills and of course, his letal shot... He is a very fun player to watch, but he needs to go back to Wisconsin to work at improving the areas he needs to...

 

[cphabs]

Wisconsin was the 2nd youngest team in the NCAA last season and their most talended players are pretty young... As someone who watched Wisconsin alot, Caufield clearly needs alot of work with his game away from the puck and defensive zone work, 1 on 1, he gets beat too easily against 20-24 yrs old players as well, he is lazy at forechecking and backchecking... Overall, the kid is way too flawed and not physically ready right now for Pro level hockey, he would get killed and laughed at...

He comes alive when the puck is on his stick, he is great at attacking the offensive zone, is extremmely dangerous and very tough to read, since he can beat you several ways, has very quick hands, can deke his opponents at times, good passing skills and of course, his letal shot... He is a very fun player to watch, but he needs to go back to Wisconsin to work at improving the areas he needs to...

Let him try “big fish in a little pond” in the AHL for a bit. Trust me here. Chew slowly! It’s the good stuff l!

 

[417]

Wisconsin was the 2nd youngest team in the NCAA last season and their most talended players are pretty young... As someone who watched Wisconsin alot, Caufield clearly needs alot of work with his game away from the puck and defensive zone work, 1 on 1, he gets beat too easily against 20-24 yrs old players as well, he is lazy at forechecking and backchecking... Overall, the kid is way too flawed and not physically ready right now for Pro level hockey, he would get killed and laughed at...

He comes alive when the puck is on his stick, he is great at attacking the offensive zone, is extremmely dangerous and very tough to read, since he can beat you several ways, has very quick hands, can deke his opponents at times, good passing skills and of course, his letal shot... He is a very fun player to watch, but he needs to go back to Wisconsin to work at improving the areas he needs to...

All fair points...and I'll defer to you since you've definitely watched more Wisconsin games then I have.

But man...for once, I'd love it if Habs fans/media/coaches/management didn't worry so much a young forward's defensive game and just accept he's an offensive player.

With Caufield...I don't ever think this is going to be a strength for him.

His strength is his offensive ability....how bout they nurture that

 

[Goldenhands]

All fair points...and I'll defer to you since you've definitely watched more Wisconsin games then I have.

But man...for once, I'd love it if Habs fans/media/coaches/management didn't worry so much a young forward's defensive game and just accept he's an offensive player.

With Caufield...I don't ever think this is going to be a strength for him.

His strength is his offensive ability....how bout they nurture that

Look, I know Caufield will never contend for the Selke, he will always come with some risks, but at the NHL level, you just cant be a weak link at even strength, its way tougher to score goals than defending, so it doesnt only apply to Caufield, every kids have to work on their weaknesses so they can be relied on when they reach the NHL.. The goal isnt to turn Caufield into a defensive specialist, its only a matter of reaching a level of acceptability where there will be more positive than negative to send him on the ice at even strength...

 

[AlexGretzchenvid]

Wisconsin was the 2nd youngest team in the NCAA last season and their most talended players are pretty young... As someone who watched Wisconsin alot, Caufield clearly needs alot of work with his game away from the puck and defensive zone work, 1 on 1, he gets beat too easily against 20-24 yrs old players as well, he is lazy at forechecking and backchecking... Overall, the kid is way too flawed and not physically ready right now for Pro level hockey, he would get killed and laughed at...

He comes alive when the puck is on his stick, he is great at attacking the offensive zone, is extremmely dangerous and very tough to read, since he can beat you several ways, has very quick hands, can deke his opponents at times, good passing skills and of course, his letal shot... He is a very fun player to watch, but he needs to go back to Wisconsin to work at improving the areas he needs to...

I'd like to add that he is a very driven goal scorer. He thrives with talent around him and if given the chance to be number one will often play way better in all 3 zones surrounded by good team mates.

If his only gripes are he's lazy at times.. maybe his motivation is low because from what I've seen of this toolbox and tools.. he can do it all.

 

[AlexGretzchenvid]

All fair points...and I'll defer to you since you've definitely watched more Wisconsin games then I have.

But man...for once, I'd love it if Habs fans/media/coaches/management didn't worry so much a young forward's defensive game and just accept he's an offensive player.

With Caufield...I don't ever think this is going to be a strength for him.

His strength is his offensive ability....how bout they nurture that

Hew actually quite good defensively when he tries because of his skating IQ and puck work.. he can hit too he just chooses not to because of his size but that will come in his early 20s anyways.

 

[JoelWarlord]

It is pretty rich that the team who traded for Jonathan Drouin is worried about a player's defensive shortcomings.

 

[admiralcadillac]

It is pretty rich that the team who traded for Jonathan Drouin is worried about a player's defensive shortcomings.

Maybe they understood from seeing him play.

 

[417]

Look, I know Caufield will never contend for the Selke, he will always come with some risks, but at the NHL level, you just cant be a weak link at even strength, its way tougher to score goals than defending, so it doesnt only apply to Caufield, every kids have to work on their weaknesses so they can be relied on when they reach the NHL.. The goal isnt to turn Caufield into a defensive specialist, its only a matter of reaching a level of acceptability where there will be more positive than negative to send him on the ice at even strength...

No arguments here...I agree with you 100%

It stands to question whether or not he can improve this at the next level though. I think he can continue to work on this in the AHL.

But I suppose there's no harm with spending another year in the NCAA.

 

[Adam Michaels]

Last time someone from Wisconsin won the Big Ten scoring title was in 1978.

 

[ahmedou]

The Caufield's joystick button:

PC = Enter

PlayStation = O

Xbox = B

 

[Andrei79]

Look, I know Caufield will never contend for the Selke, he will always come with some risks, but at the NHL level, you just cant be a weak link at even strength, its way tougher to score goals than defending, so it doesnt only apply to Caufield, every kids have to work on their weaknesses so they can be relied on when they reach the NHL.. The goal isnt to turn Caufield into a defensive specialist, its only a matter of reaching a level of acceptability where there will be more positive than negative to send him on the ice at even strength...

This is precisely it.

 

[Sterling Archer]

I’ve always been a believer in letting kids over ripen and not throw them into the NHL unless they’re absolutely dominating in the AHL, NCAA etc. first.

I don’t know if another year in Wisconsin or Laval would be better for his development. I do think he should be at either or both for at least another full year and maybe look at a call up in his D+3 year. He’s smaller and needs a lot of work, so focusing on his getting better, stronger and confident is the way to go. He can be a dominant player in the NHL for a long time but he’s an example of a kid who needs a lot of time to fully develop his substantial upside.

 

[loudi94]

He could also play major junior in the OHL for the Soo or they could move his rights. More games wouldn't be a bad thing.

 

[Tyson]

Last time someone from Wisconsin won the Big Ten scoring title was in 1978.

He looks like he is 5 ft tall

 

[Adam Michaels]

He could also play major junior in the OHL for the Soo or they could move his rights. More games wouldn't be a bad thing.

That is an interesting path. Sign him to his ELC, but instead of making him play pro, he can continue to develop in the CHL, where he'll also see what it is to play a lot of games in a season.

Although I think if they do sign him, it's for Montreal/Laval. Or else, they'll keep him in the NCAA.

 

[De Montreal]

That is an interesting path. Sign him to his ELC, but instead of making him play pro, he can continue to develop in the CHL, where he'll also see what it is to play a lot of games in a season.

Although I think if they do sign him, it's for Montreal/Laval. Or else, they'll keep him in the NCAA.

Would sure be fun to watch him in the OHL, at least statistically speaking.

 

[wildD]

If you take a look at Alex DeBrincat he was in the OHL for 3 years and killing it for 3 years, So why not let Cole stay in the NCAA for 1 more year. It's not going to hurt his development.

 

[canadiensnation]

 

[yianik]

All fair points...and I'll defer to you since you've definitely watched more Wisconsin games then I have.

But man...for once, I'd love it if Habs fans/media/coaches/management didn't worry so much a young forward's defensive game and just accept he's an offensive player.

With Caufield...I don't ever think this is going to be a strength for him.

His strength is his offensive ability....how bout they nurture that

When the Habs traded for Denis Savard, he was called by Sege Savard and told, " you know Denis, here in Montreal you will have to play defence".

Serge Savard, our GM, told the most dynamic player in the last decade. he would have to play defence.

Habs need a GM who does not follow that D is the be all and end of hockey. We need a GM who thinks entertainmentoaches like MT ooaaaaaaaaais also important. We need a GM who hires a coach that believes it is okay for players to make mistakes and helps them develop their game. And please, no more psych coaches like MT or Babcock.

And with Claude, Caulfield will have to play D.

 

[Spearmint Rhino]

All fair points...and I'll defer to you since you've definitely watched more Wisconsin games then I have.

But man...for once, I'd love it if Habs fans/media/coaches/management didn't worry so much a young forward's defensive game and just accept he's an offensive player.

With Caufield...I don't ever think this is going to be a strength for him.

His strength is his offensive ability....how bout they nurture that

You can teach people to play defense but for guys like CC they have to be given top 6 roles to break into the league and build confidence. If the Habs think he’s going to make something of himself playing in the bottom 6 might as well trade him now before he’s ruined.

 

[Scintillating10]

For the love of God don't bring Caufield up until he is at least 21, or 22. Way this team has been destroying first round picks. I say take zero risk. No rush

 

[Habs Icing]

For the love of God don't bring Caufield up until he is at least 21, or 22. Way this team has been destroying first round picks. I say take zero risk. No rush

Well, it seems like MB has learned his lesson. At least with Caufield. They suggested to Cole to stay at Wisconsin but if he wants to turn pro they'll send him to Laval.

 

[Habs Halifax]

He could also play major junior in the OHL for the Soo or they could move his rights. More games wouldn't be a bad thing.

NCAA is a more competitive league and he has more to gain in development changes. No 16 and 17 year olds in the NCAA for him to take advantage of like their is in the CHL.

NCAA if both Caufield and the Canadians feel this is the right fit. AHL if Caufield really wants to turn pro cause we won't block him. However, If Turcotte goes back to NCAA, so will Caufield. Pretty sure they will want to play together