Montreal, QC – 17 March 2026

Montreal Canadiens sniper Cole Caufield is on the cusp of franchise history, sitting at 39 goals as his team prepares to host the Boston Bruins tonight on St. Patrick’s Day. After a brief bout with illness sidelined him earlier this week, the 25-year-old winger is back in the lineup and aiming to become the first Hab in 32 years to hit the 40-goal mark.

Return to Health

Caufield missed Wednesday’s contest against the Ottawa Senators due to illness, with Alexandre Texier slotting into the top line in his absence. He was a full participant at practice by Friday, 13 March, and returned to game action on Sunday against the Anaheim Ducks. In that 4-3 loss, Caufield scored a goal on four shots, bringing his season totals to 39 goals and 66 points, both team highs.

“The smile was back on Cole Caufield’s face,” read a team practice report, signalling his return to full health. Coach Martin St. Louis confirmed the forward was not injured, merely limited by the virus that has circulated through the locker room.

Chasing History

Caufield’s 39th goal set a new career high and put him one away from a milestone last reached by a Canadien in the 1993-94 season, when Vincent Damphousse scored 40. Damphousse himself has noted he is “surprised it has taken that long” for another Hab to challenge the mark.

“Cole Caufield could become the first Hab since Vincent Damphousse in 1993-94 to crack the 40-goal mark,” reads a preview for tonight’s game. The occasion is doubly significant as veteran Brendan Gallagher is scheduled to play his 900th NHL game.

Season in Focus

Despite the recent illness, Caufield has been a model of consistency. Over the last 10 games, he has posted seven goals and two assists. For the 2025-26 season, he now has 39 goals, 27 assists, 66 points, 79 shots on net, 26 hits, and a plus-7 rating through 28 appearances.

His offensive prowess has sparked talk of a potential Rocket Richard Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s top goal-scorer. “Cole Caufield has been almost unstoppable for the Montreal Canadiens and has a chance to be the first player from the franchise to win the Rocket Richard Trophy,” one analysis noted.

Player Profile

Age: 25 (Born 2 January 2001 in Mosinee, Wisconsin, USA)
Size: 5’8”, 175 lbs
Position: Right Wing
Draft: 2019, 1st Round (#15 overall) by the Montreal Canadiens
Contract: Signed an 8-year, $62.8 million (CAD) extension on 5 June 2023. The deal carries an annual cap hit of $7.85 million and runs through the 2030-31 season.

What’s Next

All eyes will be on Caufield and the Canadiens as they face the Boston Bruins at the Bell Centre tonight. A goal would not only secure a personal milestone but also snap a three-decade drought for the historic franchise. With his health confirmed and his scoring touch evident, Caufield has a prime opportunity to etch his name into Canadiens lore on 17 March 2026.