Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images; Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images
Let’s be honest, Marc Bergevin’s tenure in Montreal didn’t win unanimous support from fans.
Between polarizing trades and questionable contracts, the former GM was often criticized at the Bell Centre.
However, there is one move everyone agrees was a home run.
Drafting Cole Caufield in 2019 remains one of his best decisions during his NHL career.
At the time, several scouts hesitated because of his size, but Bergevin didn’t flinch when he saw the sniper fall to 15th overall.
His ability to turn a quick transition into a highlight-reel goal brings the crowd to its feet at every home game.
Number 13 continues to produce tangible results and has established himself as a natural leader in the locker room.
It must be said, Marc Bergevin deserves credit for having the instinct not to pass on such a pure talent.
Several other general managers in the Atlantic Division are likely regretting their decisions today when watching his highlights.
Marc Bergevin’s Cole Caufield pick stands as a defining draft steal for the Canadiens
No GM bats 1.000. But Marc Bergevin drafted Cole Caufield.
And for that, he deserves respect. Because several other GMs passed-or would have passed-on him.
– Anthony Martineau
Even though the team is in the middle of a rebuild, Cole Caufield’s presence makes the current management’s job significantly easier.
He often finishes games with high average ice time, proving his importance to Martin St-Louis.
Over the last three games, his physical engagement and vision have helped generate high-quality controlled zone entries.
He’s the type of player who can change the course of a season on his own.
This week, take the time to appreciate his talent instead of just looking at the stat sheet.
The Canadiens are fortunate to have a scorer of this caliber in the lineup every night.
Previously on All Montreal Hockey
POLL
29 MINUTES AGO|9 ANSWERS
Canadiens fans still can’t believe Marc Bergevin landed Cole Caufield at 15
Do you consider Cole Caufield the best first-round pick of the Marc Bergevin era?