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 player currently playing as a winger 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. Caufield is known for his scoring ability and offensive skills, making him a key player for the Canadiens.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1963: Grandfather's Start in Semi-Professional Hockey

In 1963, Wayne, Cole Caufield's paternal grandfather, began his semi-professional hockey career, playing for various teams, including the Milwaukee Admirals of the United States Hockey League (USHL).

1993: Canadien player hit 40 goals

In the 1993–94 season Vincent Damphousse last had 40 goals for a Canadien.

2017: Won Gold Medal at U17 WHC

In 2017, Cole Caufield won a gold medal with the United States at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge (U17 WHC), leading the tournament in goals scored and being named to the All-Star Team. He also won gold at the 2017 Four Nations Cup in Russia.

2017: Joined USNTDP

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

2018: Set USNTDP Goal Record

During the 2018–19 season, Cole Caufield broke the all-time USNTDP goal record previously held by Phil Kessel and Auston Matthews' single season goal record.

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

In 2018, Cole Caufield won a silver medal at the IIHF World U-18 Championship.

2018: Won Silver Medal at U18 WJC

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

2018: Wins 2018 Five Nations Cup

In late 2018, Cole Caufield and Team USA emerged victorious in the 2018 Five Nations Cup held in the Czech Republic. Caufield significantly contributed to the win by scoring seven goals and providing two assists across four games.

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

On April 27, 2019, Cole Caufield matched Alex Ovechkin's single tournament goals record with 14 at the 2019 IIHF World U18 Championship (U18 WJC), ultimately securing a bronze medal. He was also named the Most Valuable Player, Best Forward, and was selected for the tournament all-star team.

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. He subsequently attended the Canadiens' development camp.

2019: Played for Wisconsin Badgers

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

2019: Played for University of Wisconsin-Madison

In 2019, Cole Caufield started playing collegiately for the University of Wisconsin-Madison of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

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.

2019: Won Bronze Medal at U18 WJC

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

2019: Kirby Dach drafted

In 2019, Kirby Dach was drafted third overall and at one point became Cole Caufield's linemate.

2020: Returned to Wisconsin for Sophomore Season

Due to uncertainty surrounding the 2020–21 NCAA season because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cole Caufield chose to return for his sophomore season with Wisconsin.

2020: Played for University of Wisconsin-Madison

In 2020, Cole Caufield continued to play collegiately for the University of Wisconsin-Madison of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

March 27, 2021: Signed 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: Played for Wisconsin Badgers

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

2021: Wins Gold Medal at World Junior Championship

In 2021, Cole Caufield helped the United States secure a gold medal at the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. Throughout the tournament, Caufield scored two goals and provided three assists in seven games.

2021: Made NHL Playoff Debut

In 2021, Cole Caufield made his NHL playoff debut and played in the Stanley Cup Finals with the Montreal Canadiens.

2021: Reassigned to AHL

In 2021, Cole Caufield was reassigned to the AHL ranks due to struggling performance and the Canadiens' poor start to the NHL season.

2021: Won Gold Medal at World Junior Ice Hockey Championships

In 2021, Cole Caufield won a gold medal at the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, representing the United States.

2021: Canadiens qualified for the playoffs

In 2021, the Canadiens qualified for the playoffs.

February 2022: Ice time increase

In February 2022, after Martin St. Louis became head coach, Cole Caufield saw his ice time increase, returning to the team's top line.

March 2022: Named NHL Rookie of the Month

In March 2022, Cole Caufield was named the NHL Rookie of the Month after leading all rookies in goals and points.

2022: Experimenting with Caufield and Suzuki's linemates

In 2022, coach St. Louis began experimenting with different players in the other winger slot alongside Caufield and Suzuki.

June 5, 2023: Signed Contract Extension with Canadiens

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

2023: End of 2023-24 NHL season

Following the 2023–24 NHL season, with the Canadiens failing to qualify for the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs, Caufield accepted an invitation to make his senior national team debut at the 2024 IIHF World Championship.

2024: Senior National Team Debut at IIHF World Championship

Following the 2023–24 NHL season, Cole Caufield debuted for the senior national team at the 2024 IIHF World Championship. He scored two goals in the group stage against Poland, but the Americans were eliminated in the quarterfinal.

December 31, 2024: Scored 100th Career NHL Goal

On December 31, 2024, Cole Caufield scored his 100th career NHL goal in a game versus the Vegas Golden Knights.

February 25, 2025: Registered 200th Career NHL Point

On February 25, 2025, Cole Caufield registered his 200th career NHL point against the Carolina Hurricanes, becoming the fastest player in franchise history to reach this milestone in over three decades.

2025: Established New Overtime Winner Record

In 2025, Cole Caufield registered his eleventh career overtime winner, establishing a new franchise record.

2026: Prolific Start to 2026

In early 2026, Cole Caufield had a prolific start, including his second career hat-trick and tying Guy Lafleur for the most goals by a Canadiens player in a single calendar month since 1979.