Montreal Canadiens Rumors: Massive Deal Close For Pending RFA

If there’s one main order of business the Montreal Canadiens hope to get done this offseason, it would be a long-term deal with top young scoring sensation Cole Caufield before he hits restricted free agency on July 1st. According to a recent report, they appear to be getting close to pulling it off:

Cole Caufield contract update:

Yesterday, I reported that I’m hearing @colecaufield’s new contract with @CanadiensMTL will NOT be more than Nick Suzuki’s cap hit of $7,875M

Today: I was just informed talks progressing - all signs point towards a 7 or 8 year deal.#GoHabsGo

— Tony Marinaro (@TonyMarinaro) June 2, 2023

The word is that the two sides are “progressing” on a seven or eight year deal that would be worth somewhere south of young teammate Nick Suzuki’s $7.875M AAV.

Despite playing only 46 games due to season-ending shoulder surgery, Caufield proved the future is extremely bright, potting 26 goals, an improvement of three goals from his rookie season the year before, despite playing 21 less games.

In fact, at the time of his injury, Caufield was on pace to score 46, and was top ten in the NHL in 5-on-5 markers (19).  

I would be very surprised if Caufield doesn't end his career with multiple 50+ goal campaigns pic.twitter.com/A2MyYTVat5

— Guru (@Guruelous) May 28, 2023

Just 22 years old, the Wisconsin native just completed his entry-level contract, and on July 1st would become a restricted free agent and able to entertain some rich offer sheets… unless the Habs can get his name on the dotted line beforehand. 

It’s looking more and more like that will be the case.