Next contract at least 7 million a year for Cole

Caufield wants to be part of the solution

Yesterday, I asked the question. What are Cole Caufield’s intentions? Montreal or elsewhere?

The young American made it clear that Montreal was the only destination.

Certainly it takes time when the two decision makers in such an important negotiation have to ensure that the financial commitments are commensurate with the value of the athlete.

And there are also imponderables.

Sometimes we find ourselves at an impasse and the scenarios need to be reviewed quickly.

Caufield had told his agent Pat Brisson that he wanted to stay in Montreal.

He loves the city, he loves his team, he knows he can be part of the solution. He knows his role in the company.

And he knows that over the last two years he has won the trust of the team’s fans.

When he jumps onto the ice, he inevitably keeps the fans in suspense. Not only did he win the hearts of the fans, he also gave them multiple opportunities to show their satisfaction. He is dashing and scores goals.

A significant risk?

Since Guy Lafleur, which Canadian player of the new generation of skaters has generated so much fan excitement? Very little, isn’t it?

It will be said that the Canadian took a significant risk. Without doubt. But all teams that grant big deals to their young players take risks.

Except that the business of professional sports has changed a lot. The competition has never been so intense. And when you have such talented players, players with charisma, you have to make sure they stay with the company for a number of years.

The Canadian acted accordingly.

Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton decided to create their new structure by capitalizing on the talent of Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. A game maker and marker. Had Caufield not been sidelined through the second half of the year through injury, he likely would have reached the 40-goal mark. Suzuki probably would have had 85 points, one point per game.

For a formation that wants to give itself a new culture, she has decided on a business model that is appropriate to the circumstances. Now it’s a matter of surrounding the two young players well, that’s the challenge that awaits the Gorton/Hughes duo.

In the past few months, we’ve seen amazing progress by a defense brigade. Kirby Dach occupied an important place in the org chart.

Juggle with the workforce

Now we have to juggle the salary cap all the way to the amateur player draft. The contract awarded to Caufield calls into question certain analyses, in particular: Will we continue talks with the Winnipeg Jets about Pierre-Luc Dubois? Hughes is smart, he proved it last year, so we can expect him to have some surprises in store for the next few days.

Above all, it will gain more flexibility in financial commitments. He will then slash.

Les eaux seront plus agitees pour le Canadien lan prochain