It was just the first day of training camp, the first intrasquad game. Nevertheless, Cole Caufield proved that he had lost none of his precision.
The Habs’ leading scorer last year led his group with two goals, one of which came in an opening the size of a matchbox. Well, in the sequence, goaltender Joe Vrbetic closed the angle as effectively as a Garage League goalie, but still. It was nice to see that Caufield, whose season ended abruptly on Jan. 15 due to a shoulder injury, still had the touch.
“I had all summer to work on my recording. “I didn’t lose too much,” he said a few minutes later, grinning.
“He’s great at finding small gaps,” said Nick Suzuki, who will be his main accomplice again this season.
Who’s lucky?
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In addition, over the summer many people wondered who would have the opportunity to complete the Canadian’s first trio. Kirby Dach, who was the most consistent to the right of Caufield and Suzuki last winter? Sean Monahan, fully recovered? Josh Anderson, the Burlington Express?
“There are several good candidates who can play for us,” said the Canadian captain. Marty (Martin St-Louis) may have to make a difficult decision. »
What criteria should the head coach use to make his decision?
“Someone who is able to make plays and win battles to get the puck. Someone who can support us and bring something different than what Cole and I bring to each other,” Suzuki listed.
“It takes someone who is competitive in all three areas. That is the most important aspect,” Caufield added in his response.
A chance for Heineman
Photo agency QMI, JOEL LEMAY
On Thursday, Emil Heineman had the honor of completing the unity of the Canadian’s two young stars.
“I only had it a few seconds before the first throw-in when the coaches told me,” said the Swede. I wasn’t nervous. I saw this as a great opportunity. »
“I can learn a lot from these players,” he added. With them you have to be constantly ready to receive the puck because they will surely recognize you on the ice. »
Heineman was right to point out that it was still too early to draw conclusions. Despite everything, his profile is interesting.
“He was very good when he returned to Laval last year. He scored a lot of goals, Suzuki recalled. He’s not afraid to take shots and he puts himself in a position to do it. He is a power forward. »
In fact, the 21-year-old striker turned heads upon his return to North America by scoring seven goals in 11 games.
However, there is still a long way to go until October 11th, the date for the first game of the season and openings are limited if not practically non-existent.