Cole Caufield

It seemed as if the hockey world was ready to write Caufield off after he scored just once through his first 30 games a in2021-22, but the light bulb went off for the youngster midway through the year and Caufield proceeded to light the lamp 22 times in his final 47 contests. That's nearly a 50-goal pace over the course of a full year, and while no one expects Caufield to produce at that level in 2022-23, it's pretty clear the real Caufield is the guy we saw late in the year. Still just 21 years of age and locked into a major role on a team trying to find its footing, Caufield should crack the 30-goal plateau with ease assuming he is able to remain healthy in 2022-23.

Caufield burst onto the scene late in 2020-21 with five points in 10 games after wrapping up his season at the University of Wisconsin. The diminutive winger then proved he was set to stay in the NHL with four goals and eight assists in 20 postseason contests as the Canadiens made a run to the Stanley Cup Finals. The 20-year-old winger showed great chemistry with Nick Suzuki in the playoffs, which could lead to a promising pairing of young forwards in the Habs' top six to open the season. Caufield may still play some sheltered minutes as a young forward, but he'll likely see plenty of power-play time. Fantasy managers will likely draft him in the middle rounds with the expectation of 40 points, a high shot volume and perhaps a nomination for the Calder Trophy at the end of the campaign.