Detroit Red Wings: A Guide to the 2019 NHL Draft
By Cory Mello
Right Wing – U.S. NTDP, 5’7 163lbs | GP:64 | G:72 | A:28 | P:100
Do not judge a player based on their size. Cole Caufield is an absolute goal scorer. In my opinion, Caufield is the purest goal scorer in this years’ draft. , Caufield broke numerous records en route to winning a bronze medal playing for the U-18 U.S. National Team Development program. Just calling Caufield a goal-scorer is an understatement. The new NHL allows for undersized players to excel.
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Caufield destroyed Auston Matthews record of 52 goals (14-15) by 20 goals! We all know how good Matthews has become with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Caufield scored 14 goals in the U-18 World Junior Championship tying yet another NHL star, and future Hall Of Famer, Alexander Ovechkin. It’s also worth noting he finished his U.S NTDP career with 124 goals, Phil Kessel (the previous record holder) had 104. Get the point yet?
Playing on a line with Jack Hughes, Caufield stood out due to his ability to create space for himself and wait for a pass. Everywhere he has played the outcome always appears to be the same; he scores goals. With size possibly scaring teams off, Cole Caufield quietly may break into the top ten and can be an absolute steal in this draft.
After finishing the 18/19 season with 224 Goals, (good for 21st) the Wings’ need goal scorers. Scouts may make the same mistake with Caufield as they did with other smaller players, such as; Alex DeBrincat, (2nd Round, 39th Overall) Johnny Gaudreau,(4th Round, 103rd Overall) and lastly, Cam Atkinson (6th Round, 157th Overall). Ironic enough, they all happen to be U.S born players. All of which were overlooked due to their size. Caufield will be an exceptional selection if Byram and Turcotte are chosen.