Career Timeline of Cole Caufield: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Cole Caufield built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Cole Caufield is an American professional ice hockey winger currently playing for the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL. He was drafted in the first round, 15th overall, by the Canadiens in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Known for his exceptional goal-scoring ability and offensive prowess, Caufield quickly became a key player for Montreal.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1963: Wayne Caufield Plays Semi-Professional Hockey

From 1963, Wayne Caufield played semi-professional hockey for numerous teams, including the Milwaukee Admirals of the United States Hockey League (USHL).

1988: Paul Caufield Plays for UWSP

In 1988, Paul Caufield, Cole Caufield's father, began playing hockey for the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (UWSP).

2002: Paul Caufield Returns to UWSP as Assistant Coach

In 2002, Paul Caufield returned to the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (UWSP) to work as an assistant coach.

2006: Paul Caufield Becomes Manager of Ice Hawks Arena

In 2006, Paul Caufield resigned from his position as assistant coach at UWSP to become the manager of Ice Hawks Arena.

2017: Won Gold Medal at U17 WHC

In 2017, Cole Caufield was selected to the World U-17 Hockey Challenge (U17 WHC) where he tallied eight goals and five assists in six games, leading the United States to a gold medal.

2017: Joined USA Hockey National Team Development Program

In spring 2017, Cole Caufield joined the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (USNTDP) in Plymouth, Michigan.

2018: Won Silver Medal at IIHF World U-18 Championship

At the 2018 IIHF World U-18 Championship, Cole Caufield notched six points in seven games towards a silver medal podium finish.

2018: Won Silver Medal at U18 WJC

In 2018, Cole Caufield represented the United States and won a silver medal at the U18 World Junior Championship (WJC).

2018: Won the 2018 Five Nations Cup

In late 2018, Team USA won the 2018 Five Nations Cup in the Czech Republic, during which Cole Caufield recorded seven goals and two assists in four games.

April 27, 2019: Tied Alex Ovechkin's Goals Record at U18 WJC

On April 27, 2019, Cole Caufield tied Alex Ovechkin's single tournament goals record with 14 at the 2019 IIHF World U18 Championship (U18 WJC), en route to a bronze medal.

June 21, 2019: Selected by Montreal Canadiens in NHL Draft

On June 21, 2019, Cole Caufield was selected in the first round (15th overall) by the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL entry draft.

2019: Played for Wisconsin Badgers

From 2019 to 2021, Cole Caufield played for the Wisconsin Badgers of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). During his freshman season in 2019–20, he recorded 19 goals and 17 assists in 36 games. He was selected to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team, All-First Team, and was also named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

2019: Played for University of Wisconsin-Madison

In 2019, Cole Caufield began playing collegiately for the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the NCAA.

2019: Won Bronze Medal at U18 WJC

In 2019, Cole Caufield represented the United States and won a bronze medal at the U18 World Junior Championship (WJC).

2019: Drafted by Montreal Canadiens

In 2019, Cole Caufield was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the first round, 15th overall, of the NHL entry draft.

2020: Continued Playing for University of Wisconsin-Madison

In 2020, Cole Caufield continued playing collegiately for the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the NCAA. He also became the leading goal and point-scorer for the 2020–21 NCAA season.

2020: Returned for Sophomore Season with Wisconsin

In 2020, due to uncertainty surrounding the NCAA season due to COVID-19, Cole Caufield opted to return for his sophomore season with Wisconsin instead of turning professional.

March 27, 2021: Signed Entry-Level Contract with Montreal Canadiens

On March 27, 2021, Cole Caufield signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Montreal Canadiens.

April 9, 2021: Named Hobey Baker Award Winner

On April 9, 2021, Cole Caufield was named the recipient of the Hobey Baker Award as the top NCAA Division I men's ice hockey player.

2021: Won Gold Medal at World Junior Ice Hockey Championships

During the 2021 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, Cole Caufield recorded two goals and three assists in seven games, helping the United States win a gold medal.

2021: Played for Wisconsin Badgers

From 2019 to 2021, Cole Caufield played for the Wisconsin Badgers of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

2021: Made NHL Playoff Debut

In 2021, Cole Caufield made his NHL playoff debut with the Montreal Canadiens and went on to play in twenty games. He also became the first rookie in league history to record three overtime points in a single postseason.

February 2022: Ice Time Increased Under Martin St. Louis

In February 2022, after Martin St. Louis replaced Dominique Ducharme as head coach, Cole Caufield saw his ice time increase and returned to the team's top line.

2022: Experimentation with First Line Wingers

During the 2022–23 season, Coach St. Louis experimented with different players in the winger slot alongside Caufield and Suzuki, including Anderson, Monahan, Hoffman and Dach. The Caufield–Suzuki–Dach line generated strong initial results.

June 5, 2023: Signed Eight-Year Extension with Canadiens

On June 5, 2023, Cole Caufield signed an eight-year, $62.8 million extension with the Montreal Canadiens.

2023: Joined Senior National Team

Following the 2023–24 NHL season, Cole Caufield accepted an invitation to make his senior national team debut at the 2024 IIHF World Championship.

2024: Played at 2024 IIHF World Championship

Following the 2023–24 NHL season, Cole Caufield made his senior national team debut at the 2024 IIHF World Championship. He scored two goals in the team's group stage match against Poland, his first at the senior level.