No way Cole Caufield will get a bridge contract! pic.twitter.com/OQmo5KFHX4
– L’Antichambre (@Antichambre) April 21, 2023
A bridge contract for Cole Caufield: Vincent Damphousse wants nothing to do with it
Auteur: Manuel Sperandio-Lemay![A bridge contract for Cole Caufield: Vincent Damphousse wants nothing to do with it](https://cdn.buminteractif.com/2023/04/Cole-Caufield-scaled.jpg)
Indeed, the CH’s goal for next year is to be competitive, and therefore to look towards the top of the standings rather than the bottom.
And if there’s one issue that’s at the top of the Montreal Canadiens’ priority list, it’s Cole Caufield’s contract.
The CH’s No. 22 reached the end of his three-year NHL entry-level contract this season, leaving him without a contract for next season.
No need to worry, Caufield is a restricted free agent, and he can’t go to arbitration.
And that’s where, according to Vincent Damphousse, the CH has the big stick.
According to Damphousse, the CH is in a strong position vis-à-vis Caufield.
“It’s eight years or stay with you until Christmas and you decide if you want to play field hockey.” – Vincent Damphousse
It’s true that the CH may decide not to back down from its eight-year offer, and instead negotiate with Caufield on the amount per year.
However, if Caufield doesn’t want to sign for eight years, because he hopes to sign for more money per year later, well, that’s when the CH might decide not to flinch.
Going without the little maverick for part of the season really wouldn’t be a good idea for the CH, especially if they want to win games next season.
In short, I understand Damphousse’s point of view about not wanting to give Caufield a bridge contract, and I agree with it.
Giving Caufield a bridge contract could greatly harm the CH later on, while creating doubt and fear in the minds of CH fans as to Caufield’s real intentions to stay in Montreal.
On the other hand, I don’t think the CH can afford to play the Kyle Dubas game with William Nylander, for example, a few years ago.
The CH needs Caufield, and it needs him right from the start of the season, especially considering that he hasn’t played since January 19.
In a gust
– Good news for the Lightning.
Victor Hedman on the ice with his Lightning teammates this morning pic.twitter.com/aMar5cVhiG
– Jonathan Bernier (@JBernierJDM) April 22, 2023
– Erik Cernak is not on the ice, however.
Seven defenseman on the ice as things get underway, Erik Cernak still out of action #GoBolts #TBLightning pic.twitter.com/rnMpYldmjX
– Lightning Insider (@Erik_Erlendsson) April 22, 2023
– It’s already been a year since this incredible legend left us.
One year ago today, legend Guy Lafleur passed away. 🕊️❤️#GuyGuyGuy pic.twitter.com/1q0QJibcLw
– Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) April 22, 2023
– Read more.
After every season, @MAGodin and I take an in depth look at the Canadiens offseason to come. This is the first time in a while the offseason comes with some cap flexibility. So, how do Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton take advantage of it? We have some ideas: https://t.co/PusXQkZO1O
– Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) April 22, 2023
– Read more.
Kelly Buchberger: field hockey still runs in the veins of Laval Rocket assistant coach(@MBoulayJDM) https://t.co/6kw7lriRCm
– Le Journal de Montréal (@JdeMontreal) April 22, 2023