Well, it's been quite the season for Cole Caufield. He's sitting at 49 goals with none of them scored in an empty net. He's dangling players like it's nothing. Also, he's making fantastic plays setting up his team mates. Ladies and gentlemen, Cole Caufield has arrived.
Goal scoring prowess
There's not much to say here other than wow. He has one of the most precise shots in the league. He can score from anywhere with laser like precision, and when he scores, boy is he clutch. He has 12 game winning goals so far and, 28 go ahead goals and 31 goals at even strength. This guy is a machine and is one of they reasons the Habs are now in a playoff spot.
Playmaking mastery
No only is he scoring goals, but he does not have the horse blinders some great NHL scorers have. I loved Micheal Ryder, but boy he could not see the ice at times. A pure shooter but he did not have elite vision.
So far this season, Caufield has 36 assists, but they are not all coming off rebounds from his great shot. He's patient and deceptive with the puck, and is able to weigh all options, often making superb plays, like he did on the Demidov's goals the other night.
The pass is awesome as Caufield scans the ice and sees Demidov barrel towards the net, throwing him a perfect pass for the goal. This kid is really something.
Dangle cheese
Lastly, his hands and patience are incredible. He always makes sure he gets in a good shooting lane before releasing his shot. Not only is he smart, man does he have hands. One of his best goals of the seasons came against the Panther, when he literarily danced around the entire team before scoring a beauty goal.
This guy is magic and the more I see him play, the more I feel justified when I said he should have been a lock for the US Olympic team. He's developed into one of the best players in the world, and I hope to see him get the recognition he deserves. I really hope he's able to win the Rocket, but that a tall order when the one ahed of you is MacKinnon.