MONTREAL — In a moment that sent shockwaves through the NHL and sparked hope across Canadiens Nation, Cole Caufield has inked a mammoth contract extension that will keep him in Montreal for the foreseeable future — and he’s making one thing abundantly clear:
He’s here to win.
The Canadiens’ electrifying sniper agreed to an 8-year, $72 million extension, locking in a cornerstone piece of the rebuild just as the team begins to emerge from its post-Carey Price identity crisis. In a press conference packed with energy and emotion, Caufield didn’t mince words:
> “I’m not going anywhere. I love this city, I love this team, and I want to win a Cup here. This is just the beginning. We’re just getting started.”
The contract, which carries an average annual value (AAV) of $9 million, makes Caufield the highest-paid forward on the roster — a price the Canadiens were more than willing to pay for a player whose mix of skill, speed, and swagger has reignited belief in the franchise.
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A MESSAGE TO THE LEAGUE: MONTREAL ISN’T WAITING ANYMORE
This extension is more than just a contract; it’s a statement. General Manager Kent Hughes called the deal “a defining moment” for the franchise.
> “When you have a player like Cole — not just his talent, but his drive — you do everything you can to keep him. He wants the responsibility. He wants the pressure. That’s what it means to be a Montreal Canadien.”
Caufield, 24, is coming off a career-best season with 42 goals and 33 assists in 79 games, playing a pivotal role alongside linemates Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky. But beyond the numbers, it’s his presence in the locker room and his marketability off the ice that have made him a face of the franchise.
As captain Suzuki noted:
> “Cole’s got that spark. When he’s going, the whole team feeds off it. This is huge for us — not just now, but for years to come.”
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MONTREAL’S REVIVAL: PIECES COMING TOGETHER
It wasn’t that long ago that the Canadiens were limping through rebuild talk, their 2021 Stanley Cup Final run looking more like a fluke than a foundation. But things are shifting — and Caufield’s deal might just be the turning point.
With Slafkovsky taking major strides, Suzuki growing into a dependable two-way leader, and blue-liners like Kaiden Guhle and Lane Hutson maturing quickly, the Habs suddenly look like a team on the verge.
Add in the recent hiring of Martin St. Louis — whose connection with Caufield has been nothing short of transformative — and Montreal is positioning itself as a serious contender in the years ahead.
> “We’ve learned a lot these last few seasons,” said St. Louis. “The pain of missing the playoffs, the hard lessons — they’ve made us tougher. Cole understands that, and he wants to lead the charge.”
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CAUFIELD’S FIRE: FROM WISCONSIN TO THE BELL CENTRE
Drafted 15th overall in 2019, Caufield was once seen as too small to thrive in today’s NHL. But those doubters are long gone. What he lacks in size, he makes up for in heart, vision, and one of the most lethal releases in hockey.
Fans have embraced him not just as a player, but as a symbol. He’s Montreal’s spark plug, the smile that won’t quit, the kid who never stops believing.
And now, he’s betting on this city — and himself — for the long haul.
> “I know what this team means to this city. I feel that every night at the Bell Centre. I want to be the guy who helps bring that 25th Cup home. That’s the goal. Always has been.”
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THE ROAD AHEAD: LEGACY IN THE MAKING?
With this extension, Caufield is set to become a pillar in Canadiens history. But legacy isn’t built on potential — it’s forged in results. Caufield knows that, and he’s embracing the weight of expectations.
Fans are already circling their calendars. The 2025-26 season won’t just be another year in the rebuild. It’s the start of something real.
Because for the first time in years, the Canadiens aren’t just hoping for better days. They’re chasing greatness — and Cole Caufield is leading the charge.
So buckle up, Habs fans. The sniper is staying. The core is growing. And the mission is clear:
Stanley Cup #25 — it’s no longer a dream. It’s a promise.
> “We’re just getting started,” Caufield said with a grin.
And all of Montreal is ready to follow.
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