After scoring 51 goals last season, expectations were already sky-high for Cole Caufield heading into the 2026-27 campaign. The Montreal Canadiens’ sniper had finally reached the 50-goal milestone, establishing himself as one of the NHL’s most dangerous offensive weapons. However, rather than slowing down, Caufield appears determined to take his game to another level.
Through the first 17 games of the season, Caufield has already scored 11 goals and recorded 16 points. Over an 84-game schedule, that pace would put him at approximately 54 goals and 79 points, potentially surpassing his impressive goal total from last season.
What makes his start even more impressive is that he has managed to maintain his production despite the absence of captain Nick Suzuki for several games. With the Canadiens enjoying a tremendous start to the season, Caufield is once again proving why he is such an important part of Montreal’s success.
Another 50-Goal Season in Sight
Scoring 50 goals in the NHL is an incredible accomplishment. Doing it in consecutive seasons would put Caufield in an entirely different category. Last season, Caufield finished with 51 goals and 88 points, establishing new career highs in both categories. It was the kind of offensive explosion Canadiens fans had been waiting for since the American sniper first arrived in Montreal.
However, the biggest question entering this season was whether Caufield could replicate that production. So far, the answer has been extremely encouraging. With 11 goals in 17 games, Caufield is scoring at a rate of approximately 0.65 goals per game. If he maintains that pace throughout the 84-game season, he would finish with roughly 54 goals, three more than last year.
Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield scores his 50th goal of the season against Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy (Eric Bolte-Imagn Images)
More importantly, Caufield is demonstrating that last season wasn’t simply a career year that would be difficult to repeat. His ability to consistently find the back of the net is becoming one of the most reliable aspects of Montreal’s offense.
Producing Without Nick Suzuki
One of the most impressive aspects of Caufield’s start has been his ability to produce despite missing his usual linemate for several games. Nick Suzuki has been the Canadiens’ offensive leader for years, and his chemistry with Caufield has been one of Montreal’s greatest strengths.
Last season, Suzuki recorded 101 points, playing a significant role in Caufield’s 51-goal campaign. His vision, playmaking ability, and offensive intelligence make him the ideal center for a natural goalscorer like Caufield.
Naturally, losing Suzuki for multiple games could have significantly impacted Caufield’s production. Instead, the American winger has continued finding ways to contribute offensively.
Without his usual center, Caufield has had to adjust to different combinations and develop chemistry with other teammates. While replacing Suzuki’s offensive contributions is nearly impossible, Caufield has demonstrated that he can remain dangerous regardless of who is playing alongside him.
For years, one of the biggest questions surrounding Montreal’s offense was whether the team relied too heavily on its top players producing together. Caufield’s ability to maintain his scoring pace without Suzuki suggests he is becoming an increasingly complete and independent offensive threat.
How High Can Caufield Go?
The question now becomes whether Caufield can maintain this pace throughout the entire season. Obviously, scoring goals at this rate over 84 games is no easy task. Even the NHL’s most talented snipers experience stretches where the puck simply refuses to go in.
However, Caufield has already demonstrated that he can sustain elite goal production over an entire season. His 51-goal performance last year wasn’t the result of a short hot streak. It was the product of consistent offensive contributions throughout the campaign. That experience should give Canadiens fans confidence that another 50-goal season is a realistic possibility.
There is also the possibility that Caufield could improve on his current pace. With Suzuki back in the lineup and Montreal’s young offensive core continuing to develop, Caufield should have plenty of opportunities to find the back of the net.
Reaching 55 goals would be an incredible accomplishment, while approaching the 60-goal mark would put him among the league’s most dangerous offensive players. Ultimately, the Canadiens don’t necessarily need Caufield to score 60 goals to be successful. However, having a player capable of reaching those numbers gives Montreal a tremendous advantage.
After scoring 51 goals last season, Caufield is showing no signs of slowing down. And if his first 17 games are any indication, Canadiens fans could be witnessing another special season from their star sniper.
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