The Montreal Canadiens, one of the most storied franchises in the NHL, are in the midst of a long-term rebuild. After several years of disappointing performances and changes at the top, the team embarked on a rebuild that began in earnest in 2021 under general manager Kent Hughes and head coach Martin St. Louis. While rebuilding franchises often experience growing pains, the Canadiens are showing signs of progress earlier than expected in the 2023-2024 season, particularly in the development of their young core.
One of the brightest stars in the Canadiens’ future is Cole Caufield. The 23-year-old right wing has quickly established himself as one of the most lethal goal scorers in the league, and his development has been a key component of Montreal’s rejuvenation. Despite a slow start to his career after being drafted 15th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, Caufield’s growth over the last few seasons has been remarkable. This season, the young winger has taken another step forward and has become a leader on and off the ice for the Canadiens.
In a recent interview, Caufield revealed an exciting development for the Canadiens — one that suggests the team is “ahead of schedule” in their rebuilding efforts: the growth and emergence of Montreal’s young players, both in terms of skill development and their ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the team’s success.
Early Struggles and a New Era
The Canadiens’ rebuild is far from easy, and there have been many hurdles along the way. After their surprising run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021, expectations for the team soared, only to quickly come crashing down. Montreal missed the playoffs in both the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons, and the focus shifted to the future. During this time, the Canadiens were also forced to navigate key player departures, including the trade of veteran captain Shea Weber and the free-agent departure of Phillip Danault.
Despite these setbacks, Montreal has remained focused on developing its young talent, which includes Caufield, Nick Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovsky, and other up-and-coming players. Under the guidance of head coach Martin St. Louis, who took over in 2022, the Canadiens have emphasized speed, skill, and creativity — a shift away from the more traditional, hard-nosed style that defined the team in previous years. This change in philosophy has allowed Montreal’s young stars to flourish, and Caufield, in particular, has been a major beneficiary.
Caufield’s Rise to Stardom
Caufield has been a revelation since joining the NHL, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s top goal scorers. Despite being a relatively undersized winger (standing at 5-foot-7), Caufield’s powerful shot and elite finishing ability have made him a lethal offensive threat. In just his third season, Caufield already has a 30-goal campaign under his belt and is well on his way to surpassing that total in 2024. His ability to find the back of the net has been one of the few bright spots for Montreal in recent years, and he’s already a cornerstone of their rebuild.
However, what’s particularly encouraging about Caufield’s development is not just his scoring touch, but his overall maturity as a player. While he has always been a gifted offensive talent, his decision-making, defensive play, and leadership have improved significantly over the past year. In his interview, Caufield spoke about how the young players on the team are stepping up, and he highlighted the sense of camaraderie that exists within the locker room.
“We have a really close group, and we’re all pushing each other to get better,” Caufield explained. “I think one area where we’re ahead of schedule is how quickly our young guys are contributing, not just to the power play but in all situations. We’re really coming together as a team, and that’s exciting for the future.”
Youth Movement: Canadiens’ Young Core Stepping Up
Caufield’s comments reflect an important trend in Montreal this season — the rise of a talented and committed young core. While the Canadiens are still in the midst of a rebuild, their youthful players are showing signs of maturity and readiness to compete in the NHL. Players like Suzuki, Slafkovsky, and Kaiden Guhle are all playing prominent roles for the Canadiens in 2024, and they’ve shown that they can handle the pressures of the league despite their age.
Nick Suzuki, the team’s captain, has been a steady force in both ends of the ice, and his ability to drive play has been essential to Montreal’s success. He’s not just leading by example but also helping his teammates develop. Slafkovsky, the 1st overall pick from the 2022 NHL Draft, has had his ups and downs, but his skill set is undeniable. While he hasn’t yet fully blossomed into the superstar many expect, Slafkovsky’s physicality, vision, and playmaking ability have made him a key contributor.
Perhaps most notably, the Canadiens’ defense corps is seeing the rise of Kaiden Guhle, a strong, mobile blueliner who is rapidly becoming a key fixture on the backend. He, along with other developing prospects, has played an integral part in stabilizing Montreal’s defense and providing support for the team’s offensive players.
These players — along with Caufield — form the backbone of a team that is growing faster than anticipated. While other teams might expect years of gradual development, Montreal is seeing tangible results already. This is where the team is “ahead of schedule.”
A Strong Foundation for the Future
What’s even more encouraging is the way the Canadiens are approaching their rebuild. Hughes and St. Louis have emphasized patience and building a strong foundation, which goes beyond just player development. The team is focused on creating a winning culture, with an emphasis on work ethic, mental toughness, and team cohesion. This has been evident in the way the young players have meshed together, pushing each other to be better every day.
The Canadiens’ scouting department has also done an excellent job of identifying young talent, both through the draft and trades. Players like Guhle, Slafkovsky, and other prospects are part of a deeper pool of talent that should give the Canadiens the flexibility to make key moves down the line. As a result, the team has the potential to emerge as a true contender once their rebuild reaches its full potential.
For now, Montreal fans are able to watch with excitement as their young core continues to evolve. The team may not be competing for the Stanley Cup in 2024, but they’re certainly ahead of schedule in terms of growth and development. The emergence of Cole Caufield and other young stars shows that the Canadiens are building something special — something that could lead to sustained success for years to come.
Conclusion
Cole Caufield’s comments about the Montreal Canadiens being “ahead of schedule” reflect the growing optimism around the franchise. While the team is still in the midst of a rebuild, the development of young players like Caufield, Suzuki, Slafkovsky, and Guhle is already bearing fruit. With their young core stepping up and contributing in significant ways, the Canadiens have laid the foundation for a successful future.
The 2023-2024 season may not be the year that Montreal contends for a championship, but it’s clear that the Canadiens are on the right path — and they’re getting there faster than many initially anticipated. Fans in Montreal have reason to be excited, as their team is ahead of the curve in its journey back to greatness.
