Montreal Canadiens: Top 10 prospects entering 2019
2. Cole Caufield
Acquired: 2019 first-round pick
Age: 18
Position: Right Wing
Stats: 64 games, 72 goals, 28 assists, 100 points (USNTDP)
Cole Caufield can score goals like a mad man. He’s got terrific offensive instincts and knows how to get open. Granted, Caufield’s numbers were a bit inflated because he got generous deployment with Jack Hughes, who I’m convinced could make me look good. But still, Caufield was not a passenger on that line.
His shot is obviously terrific. But what I love is how he thinks about the game. Caufield gets to open areas before they exist. He knows where he needs to be. His hockey IQ, combined with his shot, is almost unfair.
My lone concern about him is that I’ve never seen him drive his own line. Even if he can’t, that’s fine. He’ll score goals. That’s important. But if Caufield can drive his own line, he could be a top-line forward for the Canadiens. I’m curious how he does away from Hughes next season. I think he’ll be fine.
1. Nick Suzuki
Acquired: 2017 first-round pick of the Vegas Golden Knights (sent to Montreal in the Max Pacioretty trade)
Age: 19 (turns 20 in August)
Position: Center
Stats: 59 games, 34 goals, 60 assists, 94 points, 24 postseason games, 16 games, 26 assists, 42 points (Owen Sound Attack/Guelph Storm, OHL)
Nick Suzuki has what it takes to be a star in the NHL. He’s not the best skater, but his skill and hockey IQ are both off the charts. He narrowly missed his second straight 100 point season and his third straight 40 goal season. Suzuki has the ability to take over games with his offense.
He’s a quick thinker who can be hard to defend because he’s become equally proficient at passing and shooting. Suzuki isn’t the best defensively, so I’m not 100% sure he sticks at center. Especially with the Canadiens. But he’s got the tools to be a threat at wing as well.
The biggest difference between Caufield and Suzuki? I’ve seen Suzuki drive his own line. Ultimately, that’s why I put him over Caufield. It was very close though, which is a testament to how great Caufield is.