2023-09-11 15:00:00
Cole Caufield has not played with the Canadian since January 19, when his tally stood at 26 goals in 46 games. The Habs winger is therefore impatient to get back into the action.
Having undergone surgery on his right shoulder, the 22-year-old American experienced, despite himself, a very different off-season.
“It’s been quite busy, getting back into shape every day and I’m now 100% recovered. It was new to experience this, but I feel more prepared,” said Caufield before the start of the Canadian golf tournament.
“It was long and difficult not to play with my teammates. But that only creates more excitement. I feel ready, I feel like I’ve been waiting forever,” added number 22.
Obviously, CH fans can’t wait to see at what pace Caufield will be able to produce this season. If he manages to avoid injuries, the 50-goal plateau remains within his reach.
Caufield prefers to stay away from setting a specific goal or mentioning it publicly.
“I just want to keep progressing. I have to work on a lot more things than just scoring goals and I’m going to direct my focus more on that this season,” noted the winger.
“Every season you want to play every game. My greatest wish is to remain healthy,” he then clarified.
A true hockey fan, Caufield realizes that he must have a big impact within his team.
“Everyone can exert influence in some way. Several young people on our team need to take on more responsibilities early in their careers and I am one of them. I can have an impact on young people and set an example. I will do my part with the others,” said Caufield.
Moreover, he is delighted that the Canadian is banking on a young core.
“It’s great, there were several of us watching football together. We spend time with the older ones too, it makes them feel young again;
it brings us closer. »
His status has notably changed due to the lucrative contract (62.8 million for eight years) which was granted to him.
“My mother is more excited than me. It’s cool and life-changing, but I don’t want to focus too much on that,” he said.
Caufield was more pleased with the addition of Alex Newhook, an “explosive and powerful” athlete with whom he spent a lot of time in recent weeks.
The right-hander was also able to spend several hours in the gym and he seems stronger.
Suzuki judges that the CH can demonstrate more
No doubt, Nick Suzuki will be happy to find Caufield, his faithful accomplice. But the captain of the Canadian especially wants the Habs to impose themselves more.
“We’ve been through some tough times mentally over the last two seasons, but this will only help us. Hoping that we can demonstrate this season what team we are capable of being,” said Suzuki.
For him, it is unthinkable not to aim for the series.
“100%, we always play to get to the playoffs, that should be the goal of every team. We have the possibility of accessing it with several young people who will progress. It’s an exciting time for us and we can feel the energy of the group,” responded the center, which understands that the leaders are instead singing the theme of patience.
“They surely have different objectives, it’s our job to win matches. »
To stay in the race, the Canadian will have to start the season on the right foot. He welcomes the fact that many players – around 40 – have decided to return to Brossard before training camp.
“It was good to see a lot of guys come in early, it was almost like a mini training camp before it started again,” Suzuki said, adding that Alex Newhook looked good.
Suzuki also recalled that he grew as a captain. He feels better equipped for his second season in this role.
“I learned a lot during the last season. Before, I only had to worry about my game. I realized that I had to be there for each of my teammates so that we were all in a good state of mind. I’m going to improve further in this area thanks to Martin (St-Louis), Brendan (Gallagher), David (Savard), Mike (Matheson), Josh (Anderson)… I’m even more comfortable and more ready,” said Suzuki, who says he is convinced that Caufield and Kirby Dach will follow him in this direction.
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