There’s a storm brewing in Montreal—and it’s not coming from the weather.
In what insiders are calling a “silent war,” Canadiens sniper Cole Caufield has reportedly been at the center of a behind-the-scenes conflict that’s igniting tension throughout the locker room. While his stick has stayed hot on the ice, scoring in five straight games, it’s what hasn’t been said off the ice that has tongues wagging across the NHL.
Sources close to the team describe Caufield as “visibly distant,” skipping optional skates, limiting media availability, and—perhaps most tellingly—rarely interacting with teammates outside of game situations. One veteran was overheard saying, “It’s like he’s on an island out there.”
What’s fueling the fire? It could be contract frustrations. Caufield signed a team-friendly extension last summer, and with his production skyrocketing, whispers suggest he may feel underappreciated—both in pay and role. Others point to philosophical clashes with head coach Martin St. Louis, whose emphasis on “team-first hockey” may not always sit well with the ultra-competitive sniper.
The most dramatic moment yet? After Saturday night’s comeback win against Toronto, where Caufield netted the game-winner, he left the bench immediately and headed straight to the locker room—without joining the postgame celly. Cameras caught it. Fans noticed. And the silence afterward was deafening.
Captain Nick Suzuki was asked about Caufield postgame and responded with a tight-lipped, “No comment.” When even Suzuki—Caufield’s best friend on the team—isn’t offering cover, something’s clearly up.
What does this mean for the Habs? Internally, management is on red alert. While Caufield hasn’t made any public trade demands, the tension is undeniable. Team chemistry is suffering, and if the Canadiens continue to teeter around the playoff bubble, fans may soon wonder: Can this relationship be salvaged—or is Montreal’s young star already halfway out the door?
For now, Caufield’s goals speak louder than words. But the silence? That’s the real story.
Stay tuned—because this fire isn’t burning out anytime soon